Eradequine: Atis (Annona squamosa) leaves and coconut milk against human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis)
Fritzie Lorraine D. Mapang & Mariane Miles M. Basangal
Abstract
Head lice, or pediculosis, is a global health problem that affects people of all age groups. It poses a significant concern for individual health—particularly among children—as well as their social interactions with peers. Furthermore, commercial pediculicides, namely permethrin and pyrethroids, have been found to be decreasing in effectiveness, as human head lice in various countries and regions are developing resistance through mutation. This study investigated the pediculicidal properties of coconut milk and macerated Atis leaves in three concentrations: 50:50, 75:25, and 25:75. A true experimental design was used, and the study was conducted in triplicate via in vitro experimentation. Three head lice per treatment ratio, along with a control group, were placed in plastic containers lined with filter paper treated with the respective solutions. Based on the average time to reach mortality, the 25:75 ratio of coconut milk to Atis leaves demonstrated the fastest pediculicidal effect. An independent t-test showed a non-significant p-value when comparing Eradequine and Kwell (a commercial pediculicide). Pearson r results revealed a positive correlation between Eradequine and the mortality rate of the lice.
Keywords
head lice, atis, custard apple, coconut milk, pediculosis, pediculicide
Author information & Contribution
Fritzie Lorraine D. Mapang. Corresponding author. Grade 10 student, City of San Jose del Monte National Science High School. Email: fritzielorraine.mapang@csjdmnshs.ph.education
Mariane Miles M. Basangal. Grade 10 student, City of San Jose del Monte National Science High School. Email: marianemiles.basangal@csjdmnshs.ph.education
"All authors equally contributed to the conception, design, preparation, data gathering and analysis, and writing of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript."
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Funding
This work was not supported by any funding.
Institutional Review Board Statement
This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical guidelines set by City of San Jose Del Monte National Science High School. The conduct of this study has been approved and given relative clearance(s) by City of San Jose Del Monte National Science High School.
Data and Materials Availability
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
AI Declaration
AI tools were not used in writing this paper.
Notes
Acknowledgement
References
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Cite this article:
Mapang, F.L.D. & Basangal, M.M.M. (2025). Eradequine: Atis (Annona squamosa) leaves and coconut milk against human head lice (Pediculus humanus capitis). Journal of Allied Health Sciences & Medical Research, 1(2), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.53378/jahsmr.353223
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