Formulation And Evaluation of Polyherbal Lotion for The Management of Pediculosis Capitis

Pediculosis capitis, an infestation of the scalp by Pediculus humanus capitis, remains a common public-health concern, particularly among school-aged children worldwide.^[¹^] The close physical contact in crowded environments, sharing of personal items, and limited awareness of preventive measures contribute to its rapid transmission.^[² ^]Although not life-threatening, head lice infestation leads to intense pruritus, sleep disturbances, secondary bacterial infections, and significant psychosocial embarrassment^..^[³^] Effective management is therefore essential to improve both personal health and community hygiene.Conventional pediculicides such as permethrin, malathion, and pyrethrins have been widely used; however, growing evidence shows decreased responsiveness due to resistance, skin irritation, and the need for repeated applications.^[???^] These challenges have encouraged researchers to explore safer, plant-based, and formulation-optimized alternatives. Herbal ingredients such as neem, tea tree oil, karanja oil, coconut oil, and camphor exhibit insecticidal, ovicidal, and soothing properties, making them promising candidates for anti-lice preparations. ^[?,?] Polyherbal formulations also offer synergistic action, improved efficacy, and reduced adverse effects. ^[?] Topical lotions are preferred dosage forms for head lice management because they provide uniform spreadability, ease of application, and prolonged contact time on the scalp, enhancing pediculicidal action^{. [ ¹? ]}

Formulation factors—such as viscosity, emulsifier system, penetration enhancers, and stability—significantly influence the therapeutic performance of anti-lice products^{. [¹¹,¹³]} Therefore, designing an optimized polyherbal lotion and evaluating its physicochemical properties and pediculicidal efficacy is an important step in developing and safe and effective results .^[14]

The present study focuses on the formulation and evaluation of a polyherbal anti-lice lotion incorporating scientifically established plant-derived ingredients. The study aims to assess its physical characteristics, stability, and in-vitro pediculicidal potential for the effective management of pediculosis capitis.

MATERIALS            

The following ingredients, excipients, and chemicals were selected for the development of the polyherbal lotion intended for the management of Pediculosis capitis. All raw materials and excipients used were of pharmaceutical or cosmetic grade.

Herbal Ingredients

Coconut oil – acts as an occlusive agent and helps suffocate lice.

Neem oil – possesses strong pediculicidal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activity.

Karanja oil (Pongamia pinnata) – known for insecticidal properties.

Castor oil – enhances viscosity, conditioning effect, and contributes mild insecticidal action.

Tea tree oil – exhibits proven anti-lice, antiseptic, and antifungal activity.

Camphor – provides counter-irritant, soothing, and insect-repellent effects.

Aloe vera gel – acts as a skin-soothing, moisturizing, and healing agent.

Onion extract – possesses sulfur-containing compounds with potential pediculicidal action.

Lemon extract – provides mild acidity, cleansing effect, and helps in nit-loosening.

Base Ingredients and Excipients

Glycerol (Humectant) – improves moisture retention and prevents dryness.

Glyceryl monostearate (GMS) – used as an emulsifier and thickening agent.

Cetostearyl alcohol – stabilizes the emulsion and provides consistency.

Stearic acid – acts as a co-emulsifier and thickener to improve lotion texture.

Purified water – used as the aqueous phase for the formulation.

Equipment and Apparatus

Hot plate with magnetic stirrer

Homogenizer

Water bath

pH meter

Digital weighing balance

Glassware (beakers, cylinders, funnels, spatulas)

METHOD OF PREPARATION

Formulation Design

Preparation of  four formulations (F1–F4).

Varying concentrations of active herbal ingredients.

Mild → Moderate → Strong → Highly potent formulations.

Method of Preparation

Step 1: Preparation of Oil Phase

Coconut oil, neem oil, karanja oil, castor oil, glyceryl monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, and stearic acid were accurately weighed and transferred into a clean beaker. The mixture was heated on a water bath at 70–75°C until all solid components melted completely and a clear, homogeneous oil phase was obtained. Tea tree oil and camphor were added to the oil phase and mixed gently to avoid evaporation of volatile components.

Step 2: Preparation of Aqueous Phase

Purified water was taken in another beaker and heated to the same temperature (70–75°C). Glycerol was added and stirred until completely dissolved. Aloe vera gel, onion extract, and lemon extract were slowly incorporated with continuous stirring to obtain a uniform aqueous phase .

Figure 2: preparation of aqueous phase

Step 3: Emulsification

The hot oil phase was slowly added to the aqueous phase with continuous stirring using a mechanical stirrer. The emulsification process was carried out carefully to ensure uniform dispersion of oil  droplets, resulting in the formation of a smoot oilin-water emulsion.

Step 4: Cooling & Homogenization

After emulsification, the lotion was allowed to cool gradually to room temperature with continuous slow stirring. This step improves consistency, prevents phase separation, and enhances stability

Step 5: Final Adjustment & Storage

The final volume of the lotion was adjusted using purified water if required. The prepared formulations (F1–F4) were transferred into clean, dry, and properly labeled containers and stored at room temperature for further evaluation.

Figure 5:  Polyherbal anti-lice lotion

Prepared Formulations                 

F1 – Mild formulation (sensitive scalp)

F2 – Moderate strength (routine use)

F3 – Strong formulation (persistent lice)

F4 – Highly potent (severe / resistant lice)

Methods of Evaluation

Physicochemical Evaluation

Organoleptic evaluation (color, odor, appearance)

pH determination

Viscosity measurement

Spreadability test

Homogeneity check

RESULTS

ORGANOLEPTIC EVALUATION :

The organoleptic properties of F1-F4 was been evaluated and shown in table 1.

pH DETERMINATION

pH values ranged from 6.4 to 7.0 which is compatible with scalp PH and suitable for topical application.

Table 2: PH values of formulations

GRAPH 1: Showing pH variation among formulations ( F1-F4 )

Illustrates the pH values of polyherbal anti-lice lotion formulations (F1–F4). All formulations exhibited pH within the acceptable range for scalp application, indicating dermatological compatibility. A gradual increase in pH was observed with increasing herbal concentration.

VISCOSITY MEASUREMENT

Viscosity increased proportionality with herbal content, improving adhesion to hair shafts and scalp.

Table 3: viscosity of polyherbal anti-lice lotion

GRAPH 2: Viscosity profile of formulations(F1-F4)

It shows the viscosity variation among formulations F1–F4. An increase in viscosity was observed with higher herbal content, suggesting improved consistency and prolonged contact time on the scalp.

SPREADABILITY RESULTS

All the formulations showed good spreadability , ensuring ease of application and uniform coverage

 Table 4: spreadability results

Improved spreadibility in F4 indicates better user compliance without excessive runoff .

SKIN IRRITATION TEST

None of the formulations produced erythema , edema ,or irritation.

Table 5 : showing results of skin irritation test

PEDICULICIDAL ACTIVITY

A concentration dependent increase in anti-lice efficacy was observed .

Table 6 :pediculicidal activity results

GRAPH 3 : Comparative pediculicidal activity of formulation (F1-F4)

Exhibited the highest pediculicidal activity, possibly due to synergistic action of multiple herbal extracts affecting lice respiration and nervous system.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

The formulation was packed in a tightly closed, inert container and stored under the following conditions:

Table 7: Storage conditions

STABLILITY STUDIES

The stability studies of the formulated poly herbal anti lice lotion were conducted according to ICH guideline principles  (Q1A –Stability testing of new drug products )with slight modifications suitable for cosmetic /herbal formulations .

RESULTS OF STABILITY STUDIES :

Table 8: Stability evaluation of polyherbal Anti-lice lotion