Formulation and Evaluation of Anti-Lice Roll on Serum

• Introduction to Hair and Hair Disorders

Hair is a keratinized filament that grows from hair follicles located in the dermis of the skin. It plays an important role in protection, thermoregulation, sensation, and social/psychological identity. Structurally, hair consists of three main parts: the cuticle

(outer layer), cortex (middle layer), and medulla (inner core). The primary protein in hair is keratin, which provides strength and elasticity (1,6).

Hair growth follows a cyclic pattern consisting of three phases

Anagen (growth phase) – active hair growth

Catagen (transition phase) – follicle regression

Telogen (resting phase) – shedding of hair, A normal scalp contains approximately 100,000–150,000 hair follicles, and daily shedding of 50–100 hairs is considered physiological (2,7).

• Hair Disorders

Hair disorders (trophological conditions) refer to abnormalities affecting hair growth, structure, or scalp health. These conditions may result from genetic, hormonal, environmental nutritional, or microbial factors.

Common Hair Disorders

1. Alopecia (Hair Loss)

Alopecia is one of the most common hair disorders and can be classified into:

Androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness)

Alopecia areata (autoimmune condition)

Telogen effluvium (stress-induced hair shedding) (5,8).

2. Pediculosis Capitis (Head Lice Infestation)

This condition is caused by the parasite Pediculus humans capitis. It leads to:

Scalp itching

Irritation

Secondary infections

This is particularly relevant in children and is often treated using anti-lice formulations (herbal or synthetic) (3,9).

3. Dandruff (Pityriasis Capitis)

Dandruff is characterized by flaking of the scalp and is commonly associated with the fungus Malassezia species

4. Seborrheic Dermatitis

A more severe form of dandruff involving inflammation, redness, and greasy scales (10).

5. Hair Shaft Disorders

These include structural abnormalities such as:

Trichorrhexis nodosa (hair breakage)

Monilethrix (beaded hair) (4,11).

Currently available products for managing hair lice include medicated, herbal, and mechanical treatments.

Medicated products such as permethrin lotions/shampoos are most commonly used and act by paralyzing and killing lice (3,12) Herbal products like neem and tea tree oil-based shampoos are safer alternatives with anti-parasitic activity (,813). In addition, fine lice combs and oil treatments help in the physical removal of lice and nits (14). Combination therapy (shampoo + combing) is considered most effective (15).

• Common Side Effects

• Scalp irritation
• Itching and redness
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Dryness of hair and scalp
• Moderate Side Effects
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling)
• Eye irritation (if accidental contact occurs)
• Increased hair fall (temporary) (16).

• Serious Side Effects (Rare)

• Neurotoxicity (especially with misuse or overuse)
• Breathing difficulty (in sensitive individuals)
• Toxicity in young children (17).

• Advantages of herbal anti-lice formulations

Safe and less toxic: Herbal ingredients like neem and tea tree oil have minimal side effects compared to chemical insecticides.

Low risk of resistance: Unlike permethrin, herbal products show less chance of lice developing resistance.

Eco-friendly and biodegradable: Natural origin makes them safer for the environment. Multiple actions:

Table 1: Anti Lice serum ingredients

 Fig 1: Neem Oil                                       Fig 2: Bhringraj

• Study Design

The present work was designed as an experimental laboratory-based study for the formulation and evaluation of a anti-lice roll-on serum. The study included formulation development, physicochemical characterization, stability testing, and in vitro pediculicidal activity assessment.

• Materials and Formulation

1. Material                                                                     
2. Neem Oil                                                      
3. Clove Oil
4. Tween 80                                                          
5. Shikakai Extract                                                                   
6. Bhringraj Extract               
7. Ramphal seed extract         
8. Tween 20            
9. Carbopol 940                      
10. Coconut Oil                     
11. Karanj Oil           
12. Triethanolamine              
13. EDTA                                
14. Amaranth
15. Rose Oil                              

• Preparation Method

• Aqueous Extraction of Shikakai (Acacia concinna)

Method: Maceration (Aqueous Extraction)

1. Dried shikakai pods were cleaned, shade-dried, and powdered using a mechanical grinder.
2. About 40 g powder was taken and soaked in 400 mL distilled water (1:10 ratio).
3. The mixture was kept for 24 hours at room temperature with intermittent stirring.
4. The extract was filtered using muslin cloth followed by Whatman filter paper.
5. The filtrate was concentrated using a water bath at 40–50°C.
6. The final extract was stored in an airtight container at 4°C until further use
   (19).

Fig 5: Shikakai extract

• Ethanolic Extraction of Bhringraj Leaves (Eclipta alba)

Method: Soxhlet Extraction

1. Fresh leaves were washed, shade-dried, and powdered.
2. 50 g powder was placed in Soxhlet apparatus.
3. Extraction was carried out using 500 mL ethanol (95%).
4. The process was continued for 6–7 hours (≈15 cycles).
5. Extract was concentrated using rotary evaporator.
6. Semi-solid extract was stored at 4°C (20).

Fig 6: Bhringraj extract

• Ethanolic Extraction of Ramphal Seed Powder (Annona squamosa)

Method: Soxhlet Extraction

1. Ramphal seeds were cleaned, dried, and finely powdered.
2. 50 g seed powder was loaded into Soxhlet apparatus.
3. Extraction was performed using 500 mL ethanol.
4. Process continued for 5–6 hours (12–15 cycles).
5. Extract was filtered and concentrated using rotary evaporator.
6. The final extract was stored in amber-coloured container at 4°C (21).

Fig 7: Ramphal extract

1. Preparation of oil phase: Take neem oil, clove oil, coconut oil, and karanja oil in a clean beaker and mix properly.
2. Preparation of aqueous phase: In another beaker, take water and add shikakai extract, bhringraj extract, and ramphal seed extract. Mix well.
3. Emulsification: Slowly add the aqueous phase into the oil phase with continuous stirring.
4. Homogenization: Homogenize the mixture for about 15 minutes to obtain a uniform emulsion.
5. Addition of gelling agent: Add Carbopol 940 slowly with continuous stirring to avoid lump formation.
6. Addition of emulsifiers: Add Tween 80 followed by Tween 20 and mix properly.
7. Neutralization: Add triethanolamine dropwise to neutralize Carbopol and form gel.
8. Addition of stabilizer: Add EDTA and mix well.
9. Final additions: Add amaranth (color) and rose oil (fragrance).
10. Make up volume: Add water if required to make the final volume (≈15 ml) and mix thoroughly.

• Evaluation Tests of F3 Formulation (Anti-Lice Serum)

1. Organoleptic Evaluation

Color: Reddish brown

Odour: Clove-like (pleasant)

Texture: Highly smooth & non-sticky

Clarity: Most turbid

2. pH Determination

Observed pH: 6.5

Inference: Suitable for scalp application (near neutral, non-irritant)

Fig 8: PH Meter

3. Viscosity Determination

Time: 13 sec

Distance: 7.5 cm

Inference: Moderate viscosity → good spread ability and easy application

Fig 9: F3 formulation

4. Homogeneity Test

Observation: No lumps

Inference: Acceptable but not perfectly uniform (needs slight improvement in mixing)

5. Skin Irritation Test

Observation: No irritation

Inference: Safe for topical application

6. Washability Test

Observation: Washes easily with water

Inference: Good washability, no residue

7. Silicate Test

Observation: No colour

Inference: Silicate test fail

Fig 10: Silicate Test

8. In Vitro test

Observation: death occurs within 1 seconds

Inference: The formulation shows high pediculicidal activity.