Essential Oils as a Potential Treatment Option for Pediculosis

Abstract

Pediculosis is a prevalent ectoparasite infestation caused by lice. The head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) and body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus) are obligatory parasites whose only known hosts are humans. Pediculosis is probably the most common ectoparasitic infestation, affecting up to 80% of the population in several countries, and particularly prevalent in the infant population worldwide. Several treatment options, including shampoos and creams containing insecticides, have been introduced for the treatment of pediculosis. Recently, the use of synthetic chemicals to control human lice has raised concerns pertaining to human health and the environment. Therefore, increasing efforts have been undertaken to develop effective pediculicides with low environmental toxicity and minimal environmental residual activity. In this study, we focus on the essential oils derived from 22 plant genera, their constituents, and the major factors that play important roles in the effectiveness of these oils in the treatment of pediculosis. Furthermore, we discuss the advantages and limitations of the mentioned essential oils, and ultimately suggest those demonstrating the most effective in vitro pediculicidal activities. The genera such as Aloysia, Cinnamomum, Eucalyptus, Eugenia, Lavandula, Melaleuca, Mentha, Myrcianthes, Origanum, Pimpinella, and Thymus appear to be more efficient against lice. These genera are rich in anethole, 1,8-cineole, cinnamaldehyde, p-cymene, eugenol, linalool, limonene, pulegone, terpinen-4-ol, and thymol compounds.

Frequency of pyrethroid resistance in human head louse treatment: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…As a result, it is necessary to use effective drugs with different active ingredients to treat the infestation. Some researchers have resorted to the use of “green” formulations [ 11 , 51 ] including the oil of the eucalyptus plant species [ 63 ], lavender plus peppermint [ 4 ], tea tree oil [ 17 ], and extracts of citrus for the treatment of pediculosis [ 27 ]. Others have recommended the use of physically active dimeticones to treat head lice infestation [ 19 ].…”

Comparison of Chemical Composition between Kuromoji (Lindera umbellata) Essential Oil and Hydrosol and Determination of the Deodorizing Effect

“…1,8-Cineole is abundantly present in eucalyptus plants and is an effective treatment for pediculosis [ 15 ], as well as an efficient biological herbicide [ 16 ], antimicrobial, and antioxidant [ 17 ]. Recently, several essential oil-derived components, such as 1,8-cineole, have been reported to inhibit influenza symptoms [ 18 ] and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) [ 19 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Kombinasi Minyak Kayu Putih dan Jeruk Nipis terhadap Mortalitas Pediculus humanus capitis

“…capitis. 14 Penggunaan pedikulosida kimawi sintetis memiliki efek samping dan adanya peningkatan terjadinya resistensi sehingga diperlukan pedikulosida nabati berbahan alami yang lebih alami dan lebih efektif dalam membunuh Ph. capitis.…”

“…capitis karena ditemukan adanya senyawa 1,8cineole sebagai komponen utama. 14 Benelli & Pavela 23 menyatakan bahwa minyak kayu putih dapat menyebabkan mortalitas Ph. capitis sebanyak 85% pada konsentrasi 0,25% dan 93% pada konsentrasi 0,5%.…”