# Evaluating the Metabolomic Profile and Anti-Pathogenic Properties of _Cannabis_ Species
## 3 Results and Discussion
### Acaricidal Activities of Cannabis  
Since a large number of research studies confirmed various plant-derived compounds possessing powerful pharmacological potential, few researchers investigated the acaricidal properties of _Cannabis_ and its secondary metabolites. However, a systematic review of theliterature retrieved extremely little information on the therapeutic use of _Cannabis_ against parasitic mites and ticks. These mites and ticks classified in a taxon of arachnids known as the acari have been frequently reported to cause deleterious effects on humans, animal health, and crops, subsequently resulting in significant economic losses [152]. For instance, ticks have been observed to economically impact cattle production by reducing weight gain and milk production [153]. In addition, mites are greatly reported as a major pest for attacking crops of worldwide economic importance and numerous agricultural production systems [154]. For a very long time, _Cannabis_ has been traditionally employed as a repellent and pesticide to protect crops from phytophagous arthropods without an in-depth knowledge of the bioactive compounds possessing this effect, and most publications were anecdotal [155]. A few research investigations on selected crops have been tested, predominantly on terpenoids which constitute the plant's essential oil [156]. Several other classes of natural products known to be minor constituents of _Cannabis_, such as flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols, phytosterols, amines, lignanamides, and fatty acids, are poorly investigated regarding acaricidal properties, and only a few have been exploited commercially [156]. Although in human medicine, the focus has always been on phytocannabinoids, some papers reported that a great number of highly volatile terpenoids from _Cannabis_ have the potential to act as an insect repellent and antifeedant against grazing animals [157]. A recent study by [PERSON] et al. [158] investigated the efficacy of _C. sativa_ against _Rhipicephalus microplus_ ticks and the high lethal effect of _C. sativa_ on egg laying with an index of egg laying of 0.26 and 0.24, respectively, egg hatching (33.5 and 37.1, respectively), and total larval mortality (100%, both), at 40 mg/mL. In addition, when this was applied to cattle that had been inoculated with larvae ticks, it was observed that a 45% solution of both herbal extracts significantly reduced the number of ticks by 96 h post-treatment. Several terpenoids and cannabinoids of _Cannabis_ also propelled the investigation of acaricidal effects against _Dermanysuss gallinae_ and _Hyalomma dromedarii_, also known as the poultry red mite [153]. The active molecules, notably (E)-caryophyllene and \(\alpha\)-humulene, alone revealed a higher toxic effect than the whole essential oil and a lower toxic effect of myrcene. Although, it can be concluded that (E)-caryophyllene and \(\alpha\)-humulene were responsible for the acaricidal effect of hemp essential oil, further investigation on the comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying this effect as well as longitudinal studies with these active molecules needs to be established or documented as many active ingredients from _Cannabis_, which has shown to deter acari, have not been confidently ascertained. In addition, this method continues to be advocated as a potential substitute for synthetic pesticides because of it being an environmentally friendly, low-cost, sustainable, and effective option in the fight against mites and ticks [153]. There are still very few rigorous studies undertaken concerning the acaricidal properties of _Cannabis_ against ectoparasites of veterinary importance. Thus far, _R. microplus_ remains the most studied tick across all the reviewed papers.