STUDY OF EFFECTIVENESS OF PORTULACA QUADRIFIDA IN THE TREATMENT OF PEDICULOSIS IN KOTNOOR VILLAGE OF KALABURAGI

Head lice also called Pediculus humanus Capitis, head lice are parasitic insects found on the human head and scalp. Having head lice is very common, however, there is no reliable data on how many people get head lice in each year. Head lice can cause an itchy scalp and other symptoms especially for children, and can be difficult to get rid of. so therefore, In the present study, petroleum ether and methanolic extracts of Portulaca quadrifida were tested against the pediculus humanus capitis by simple filter paper diffusion method.

The methanolic extract showed 97.1% mortality in 30 minutes and 100% mortality in 60 minutes whereas petroleum ether extracts showed 89.5% mortality in 30 minutes and 100% mortality in 60 minutes. In order to reduce the mortality time, the extracts are mixed with carrier oil like castor oil, coconut oil and olive oil. The methanolic extract with all the three-carrier oil showed significant reduction in mortality in 30 minutes whereas petroleum ether showed moderate antilice effect. All the results were well compared with benzoyl benzoate (25% w/v) as standard.

Keywords: Portulaca quadrifida, Antilice activity, Filter paper diffusion, Pediculosis