Phytochemical Study And Evaluation of Pediculicidal Activity of Herbal Plant Extracts of Pongamia pinnata, Annona squamosa, Tephrosispurpurea, Cassia obtusifolia and Melaleuca alternifolia

Abstract

Background: Head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation is a significant public health issue in humans. Lice are becoming increasingly resistant to pediculicidal drugs; anti-lice chemicals have lost their efficacy, and hence substitutes for these drugs from medicinal plants have been proposed to treat lice infections. Objective: In this study report plant extracts from Annona squamosa (custard apple) (Family: Annonaceae) seed, Cassia obtusifolia (senna, sonamukhi) (Family: Leguminosae) seeds, Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) (Family: Myrtaceae) leaves, Pongamia pinnata (karanj) (Family: Fabaceae) leaves, and Tephrosia purpurea (unhali) (Linn.) (Family: Fabaceae) seeds were tested against the head louse. Method: Active constituents from leaves and seeds of medicinal plants were extracted using petroleum ether. The lice mortality time was assessed with the diffusion bioassay method using filter paper. Extracts of different concentrations (5% w/v, 10%w/v, 20% w/v, 30% w/v, 40% w/v, and 50%w/v) were analyzed for mortality. Result: Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the occurrence of bioactive compounds, especially carbohydrates, tannins, proteins, alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and steroids in all extracts. The results were compared with chemical pediculicide (positive control; 1% w/w licel). Conclusion: The finding revealed plant extracts possess anti-lice activity at a concentration of 50% v/v.