Eucalyptus essential oil toxicity against permethrin-resistant Pediculus humanus capitis (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae)

TOLOZA ARIEL C, LUCÍA ALEJANDRO, ZERBA EDUARDO, MASUH HECTOR,, PICOLLO MARÍA INÉS

PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH

SPRINGER

Año: 2010 p. 409 - 414

0932-0113

During past decades, chemical control against the head louse Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer, has been based in the application of products containing permethrin. The repetitive overuse of pediculicides has resulted in the development of high levels of resistance to one or more of these products worldwide. Essential oils obtained from aromatic plants like Eucalyptus, are good and safe alternatives due to they are low toxic to mammals and easily biodegradable. In the present study, we reported the chemical composition of Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus gunni, and we measured the fumigant activity of five Eucalyptus essential oils and their main compounds against permethrin resistant head lice from Argentina. The most effective essential oils were E. sideroxylon, E.g.ssp globulus and E.g.ssp maidenii, with knockdown time 50% (KT50) values of 24.75, 27.73 and 31.39 min. A linear regression analysis between percentage of 1,8-cineole and KT50 values of the essential oils showed a significant correlation at a P<0.01. Since Eucalyptus essential oils showed to be effective against head lice and are classified as safer compounds, they can be employed into pediculicides formulations.