Marigold (Tagetes erecta Linn.), Oregano(Coleus aromaticus Benth.) Leaves Extract, Calamansi Juice with Coconut Oil as Pediculicide

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Our country today is suffering from an economic crisis and environmental problems. This somehow calls for discovering and producing something out of the resources available from the environment. in this study, I produced a pediculicide that can terminate head lice. I explored the active chemical components found in marigold, oregano leaves extract, and calamansi juice with coconut oil. I also investigated if there is a significant difference on the mortality rate of the head lice. The product produced was safe on humans, especially on younger children and pregnant women, when compared to commercialized lice shampoo.

METHODS

The pediculicide produced in the experiment has an insecticidal effect on head lice. Experimental method was used in gathering data and the collected data were treated using mean and standard deviation and Analysis of Variance. The study was done in school year 2016 -2017. The 180 head lice used in the experiment were divided to six treatment set-ups with each set-up having three replications. The treatments contained specific levels of concentration:T0-No extract applied,T1-2mL extract mixture of marigold, oregano, calamansi with cooking oil,T2-2mL extract mixture of marigold and oregano,T3-2mL extract of marigold and oregano,T4-2mL marigold plant extract,T5-2mL extract of oregano, and T6-2mL of Licealiz shampoo.

RESULTS

Based on the experimentation and data gathered, it was concluded that marigold and oregano leaves extract with calamansi juice and coconut oil were effective against head lice.T1 -2mL extract mixture of marigold, oregano, calamansi with cooking oil had the highest insecticidal effect wherein 100 percent of the specimen were terminated and was comparable to Licealiz commercial lice shampoo. Likewise, based on the Phytochemical screening test the treatment possessed: Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Tannins, Saponins, Steroids & Anthraquinones -which are substances also present in Pytherin licealiz lice shampoo.

DISCUSSIONS

The results concluded that the product produced has a maximum insecticidal effect on head lice. It was an effective natural pediculicide. It is a plant-based treatment that is economical, very abundant in the community, and could be found anywhere in the country. It further revealed that at different compositions, extracts have a maximum insecticidal effect on the head lice. It can also be inferred that the greater number of composition of extracts, the higher the insecticidal effect on the head lice.