Efficacy of Annona squamosa Seed Extract as Treatment for Pediculosis

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Pediculosis Capitis, known as head lice, is a common parasitic infestation among school-age children. In the Philippines, children often have head lice infestation during the summer months. There are available commercial pediculicides but these products are expensive which ordinary family cannot afford. Custard apple or atis in the local dialect is a known pesticide and was used as an alternative in eliminating head lice by old people. In this study, the researchers tested the efficacy of crushed atis seed infused in coconut oil in treating head lice among high school students.

METHODS

The experimental method was used to test the efficacy of atis seed extract. The outer shell of the dried seeds was removed. Using mortar and pestle, the seeds were pulverized. A ratio of 1g atis extract: 1 ml oil to make a paste. The in vitro test of the extract through the film residue method where live lice collected from female subjects were placed on a thin film of the paste. Checking for signs of life after 5 minutes and every minute thereafter was done. For the in vivo test, the subjects were classified according to the severity of infestation. The length of application as shampoo was based on the degree of severity. The application was akin to that of using a shampoo and was covered with a shower cap to avoid contact of the mixture with the eyes. The application was done every other day for seven days. Physical inspection for the presence of adult lice or nits and ova was done every after application.

RESULTS

A total of twenty-six female students were included in this study after the parents' consent was given. All students were comparable in terms of baseline severity of head lice infestation. In vitro testing showed that the average time to kill the lice is 20.33 minutes. As to the in vivo testing, the paste was allowed to stay in the head for 25 minutes covered with a shower cap. The results showed a gradual decrease in severity every after use and became negative until day 7. The subjects also reported that there were no adverse reactions noted and the-infestation was not evident.

DISCUSSIONS

The results demonstrated that crushed atis seed with coconut oil is effective in the eradication of head lice. The mixture was allowed to stay in the hair for 25 minutes. After which, the hair was combed to ensure that dead head lice were removed before washing the hair. The application of the paste is a natural remedy in the eradication of head lice and easily prepared in ordinary homes.