Formulation of pediculicidal hair cream from the petroleum ether leaf extract of Millettia pinnata (L.) Panigrahi (Fam. Fabaceae)

Pediculosis, commonly referred to as head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis) infestation, is common and endemic worldwide. However, exposure to the current standard treatment such as permethrin and pyrethrin can cause neurotoxicity especially when misused and resistance to these chemicals has been a concern. This study aimed to develop a pediculicidal hair cream using the petroleum ether leaf extract of Millettia pinnata to address the problems associated with head louse infestation by providing and developing a better and safer alternative pediculicide. This study involved the formulation of an acceptable hair cream and the evaluation of pediculicidal activity of different treatments using filter paper diffusion method. Permethrin (Kwell®), the positive control, had the greatest anti-lice activity of all the treatments. In the determination of minimum effective concentration, only 80% bani hair cream was found to be effective. However, the 5% bani hair cream was selected as the final formulation based on both efficacy and quality. The final formulation exhibited greater pediculicidal activity than the commercially available herbal pediculicide, quassinoids (Oilganics®), and the 60% makabuhay hair cream formulation. Replicate observations should be performed to determine any significant difference among the different treatments. Keyword: In vitro pediculicidal activity, formulation, hair cream, M. pinnata, filter paper diffusion