Essential Oil of Eucalyptus: A Natural Solution for Treating Pediculosis

Abstract

Objective: Pediculosis is a condition caused by the infestation of Pediculus Humanus Capitis. The pesticides used in current formulations exhibit toxicity and carcinogenic effects on consumers. This study aimed to investigate the pediculicidal activity of the essential oil from Eucalyptus Globulus leaves, with the intention of adding it as an active ingredient in pediculicidal formulations to replace harmful chemicals.
 Design/methodology/approach: In vivo tests were conducted to assess the repellency and mortality of the essential oil obtained through hydrodistillation. The major components were determined through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Additionally, proximate, and chemical composition analyses were performed on the eucalyptus leaves using ASTM E871, ASTM E872, ASTM D1104, TAPPI T264, TAPPI T207, ASTM D1106, and ASTM D1104 methods.
 Results: A repellency of 66.66% and 100% mortality within 2.26 minutes were obtained in the in vivo tests. The yield of hydrodistilled essential oil was 4 mL/kg, primarily composed of 71.04% 1,8-cineole, 18.94% 4-Ethyl-m-xylene, 2.72% γ-Terpinene, and 1.23% L-α-Pinene. Furthermore, the composition of eucalyptus leaves was determined as 61.25% moisture, 30.32% volatile matter, 6% ash, 2.40% fixed carbon, 11.22% acetone extractives, 33.03% water extractives, 31.49% lignin, 69.33% holocellulose, 62.09% cellulose, and 7.24% hemicellulose.
 Limitations on study/implications: The pediculicidal activity study was conducted solely on the essential oil, and further testing on the formulation of the finished product is necessary.
 Findings/conclusions: The pediculicidal activity study was conducted solely on the essential oil, and further testing on the formulation of the finished product is necessary.