Pediculicidal activity of hydroethanolic extracts of ruta graveolens, melia azedarach and sambucus australis

Abstract

Pediculosis is a worldwide head infestation caused by Pediculus humanus. The treatment for this infestation is use of topical insecticides and there are studies which show that the insect may be resistant to chemical active ingredients. The insecticidal properties of Sambucus australis, Melia azedarach and Ruta graveolens are not known if they have pediculicidal properties as well. The aim of this study is to evaluate the insecticide activity of treatments using extracts of S. australis, M. azedarach and R. graveolens against the pediculosis. The results showed that lice are sensitive to the treatments used, and M. azedarach extract presented the most efficient results.