Efficacy of neem seed extract shampoo on head lice of naturally infected humans in Egypt

Parasitol Res. 2007 Jan;100(2):329-32. doi: 10.1007/s00436-006-0264-2. Epub 2006 Aug 10.

Abstract

Sixty heavily lice-infested male and female children (4-15 years) were selected and subjected to the treatment with a neem seed extract shampoo. Twenty to thirty milliliter of the shampoo were thoroughly mixed with completely wet hair and rubbed in to reach the skin of the scalp. After 5, 10, 15 and 30 min, the shampoo was washed out and the hair basically combed. Head lice were collected and examined. The neem seed extract shampoo proved to be highly effective against all stages of head lice. No obvious differences regarding the efficacy of the shampoo were observed between an exposure time of 10, 15 or 30 min. No side effects, such as skin irritation, burning sensations, or red spots on the scalp, forehead or neck, respectively, were observed.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Azadirachta / chemistry*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Egypt
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lice Infestations / drug therapy*
  • Lice Infestations / parasitology*
  • Male
  • Pediculus / drug effects*
  • Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • Seeds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts