In vitro Investigation of the Pediculicidal Activities of the Volatile Oil Components of Some Medical Plants Raised in Turkey

A new study aimed at assessing the in vitro pediculicidal activities of volatile oils extracted from 10 medical plants raised in Turkey has revealed that the volatile oil extract (Rosmarinus officinalis) from the rosemary medical plant was more effective than the other oils.

The study by Limoncu et al., published in the December 2017 Turkish Journal of Parasitology investigated the volatile oils from 10 medical plants including; Rosa damascena (red provins rose), Pelargonium graveolens (geranium), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Salvia triloba (salvia), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary; two different chemotypes), Citrus bergamia (citrus tree), Cymbopogon nardus (citronella), Citrus limonum (lemon), and Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass).

Adult and nymph head lice specimens were obtained from school children in Manisa Province. A pinch of hair and filter paper were placed in Petri dishes and seven adults and seven nymphs were separately put in Petri dishes. Under optimal conditions (27°C and humidity of 50%) the extracts obtained from each volatile oil were dropped on the lice specimens

The active movement of the external and internal organs of the lice specimens was monitored (starting from 5th min for 24 hours by 10 to 30 minutes intervals) and the time of death or the time of loss of active movement and cessation of intestinal activities of lice was recorded revealing that Rosmarinus officinalis was more effective than the other oils.