Anti-dog tick herbal shampoo from Thai medicinal plant

Dogs are always infested with ticks and flea which cause itching, skin irritation, inflammation and skin diseases. Some chemicals and drugs used for killing dog parasites cause irritation to dogs and dog keepers. Medicinal plants such as Custard apple, Stemona, Pyrethrum and Neem tree have been used to kill insects, head-lice and dog ticks [1, 2]. This study is aimed to investigate antiparasitic activity of Thai herbal shampoo preparations against dog ticks and find out the satisfaction of the dog keepers after using the herbal shampoo for cleaning their dogs. Anti-dog tick activity of the root extract of Stemona tuberosa; the seed extracts of Siamese neem tree and custard apple; and citronella oil was investigated in vitro. The 5–15%w/w Stemona extract in polyethylene glycol gave the best killing effect within 30–40 minutes and was further incorporated with a shampoo base. The herbal shampoo with different concentrations of the Stemona extract (2, 4, 6, 8, 10% w/w) were tested in vitro for the killing effect against dog ticks by direct contaction. The herbal shampoos with selected concentrations were used for shampooing 30 dogs infested with brown dog ticks. After 4 treatments, once a week, continuing for 4 weeks, the satisfaction of the dog keepers was investigated by answering questionnaires concerning decreasing of the dog ticks, the shampoo appearances and odor, cleaning and softness of dog hairs, skin irritation, etc. The shampoos with 2–5% w/w of Stemona extract were found to be the preferred preparations.

References: 1. Muanwongyart, P. (1994), Samunprai kaw mai. T.P. Print. Bangkok. 2. Gritsanapan, W. et al. (1998), Studies of stability and effectiveness of intensive hair masks from Annona squamosa seed extract. 50^th IPC and 17^th FAPA Congress, Mumbai, India.