Evaluation of the in-vitro pediculicidal action of four known insecticides and three medicinal plant extracts.

Human lice is an increasing community health problem worldwide. This is particularly true among school children who spend most of their daytime in crowded areas. Four commercially known insecticides and three medicinal plant extracts were studied to evaluate their pediculicidal activities in-vitro. The best result with insecticides was achieved with malathion (Lt5o 10.396 and slope function 1.183). The best result with medicinal plant extracts was achieved with neem oil (A. indica) (Lt5o 85.27 and slope function 1.480). Although, neem oil extract was less active than malathion, yet it is more safe for human usage.