The Effect of Pyrethrum Extract and Natural Essential Oils on Head Lice: In Vitro Test and Clinical Evidence

Abstract

Currently, common chemical treatments with synthetic drugs for head lice have many harmful side effects and often lead to the development of resistances. In this context, medicinal plants with pediculicide properties are safe and can be targeted against head lice infestation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine pediculicide property of pyrethrum and essential oils as herbal formulation and lindane as chemical formulation against head lice using in vivo and in vitro assay. The results showed that herbal formulation was more effective and safe than lindane to remove head lice and their nits. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between efficacy of herbal and chemical formulation in the first week and second week (p≤ 0.01), as herbal formulation resulted in a significant effect on resistant head lice when compared with lindane chemical formulation. The findings of this study indicate that herbal formulation is a promising remedy that can be targeted against head lice infestation and for the remedy of other cutaneousec to parasite diseases without having any harmful side effects.