INVITRO ANTILICE ACTIVITY OF TAMILNADIA ULIGINOSA FRUIT EXTRACT

Introduction: A significant challenge in relation to public health is the infestation of human head louse.Without regard to sex or social level, the illness spreads around the world, attacking different ethnic groups.The treatment involves a number of traditional medicines, but they have drawbacks such side effects and high cost.Therefore, efforts are being made to discover an effective alternative therapy for head louse infestation.Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate pediculocidal activity of ethanolic extract of Tamilnadia uliginosa fruit on pediculus humanus capitis by using filter paper assay.Materials and Methods: The diffusion method was used to test the pediculocidal activity on filter paper.Results: The solvent extract was evaluated for the presence of phytochemicals.Three different concentrations such as 10, 20 and 30% of the tests and standard showed dose dependent activity when compared with standard drug benzyl benzoate (25% w/v).Conclusion: The results confirmed that Tamilnadia uliginosa fruit showed pediculicidal efficacy.