Adulticidal effect of combinations between Cymbopogon citratus and Eucalyptus globulus essential oils against Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer

Abstract

The results showed that all head lice adults that were immersed in a combination of 15% C. citratus EO + 15% E. globulus EO, 20% C. citratus EO + 20% E. globulus EO, and 30% C. citratus EO + 30% E. globulus EO for 3 min were destroyed with the highest mortality rate of 100% at 30 min and an LT50 ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 min. However, 0.5% (w/w) permethrin shampoo provided a slightly higher adulticidal activity than all EO formulations in terms of LT50 (0.9 min). According to the LD50 values reported in the literature, C. citratus EO + E. globulus EO can be developed into a safer shampoo for head lice treatment.