Effect of aqueous extracts of Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth against Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, 1778 (Phthiraptera, Pediculidae)

Abstract

The study explores a safe and natural approach to louse management through the use of extracts derived from Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth., commonly known as Manila tamarind. The efficacy of the aqueous extracts was assessed based on their ability to kill lice and their eggs, employing the filter paper diffusion method. The extracts from leaf, fruit, bark and stem of the plant revealed a mean mortality of 66.7, 40.0, 26.7 and 53.3 per cent respectively against nymphs and adults. The extracts were effective on nits, on the tenth day. The average emergence of nymphs, from the nits treated with leaf, fruit, bark and stem extracts were 06.7, 73.3, 66.7 and 20.0 per cent respectively. The study revealed that the aqueous extract of the leaf of P. dulce exhibited remarkable antilice and ovicidal properties.