A computational approach to use the active principles in Custard apple (Annona squamosa), as an ectoparasiticide by using potential target Acetylcholinesterase of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Brown dog tick)

Rhipicephalus sanguineus is a brown dog tick that transmits rickettsial infection between dogs and man. It can be prevented by using ectoparasiticides generally acting through acetylcholinesterase inhibiting mechanism which is responsible for the catalysis of acetylcholine neurotransmitter. To overcome the toxic effects produced by synthetic ectoparasticides, new in silico approaches were carried out using the active principles from the custard apple. Custard apple is a small tree cultivated throughout India with various medicinal properties. A novel docking study was performed using the active ingredients present in the leaves of the custard apple. The dock scores were analysed and the best active ingredient-target interactions were identified. The active principle Norcorydine gives good docking scores with Acetylcholinesterase. Hence the present study projects the positive role of custard apple in the synthesis of bio-insecticides for the control of ectoparasites.