Desenvolvimento de xampu pediculicida a base de melão-de-são-caetano (Momórdica charantia L.)

Abstract

Pediculosis is an ectoparasitosis characterized by the sively parasites the exclusive infestation of the human scalp by Pediculus humanus capitis. Despite the existence of several drugs for the treatment of pediculosis, control has become a challenge for the population due these drugs cost and the effectiveness potential loss, requiring the creation of alternative means. Momordica charantia L. (Melão-de-São-Caetano) is commonly used in northeastern Brazil to control pediculosis. This work aimed to develop a shampoo with leaves of M. charantia L. aqueous extract as an alternative to pediculosis treatment. Leaves and branches of M. charantia L. were collected and dried in an oven at 45 ºC / 48h and crushed in an 18 mesh knife mill. The moisture content was determined by gravimetric method, and total ash by incineration at 600 ± 25ºC. The aqueous extract (10%) was obtained by suspending the M. charantia L. leaves and branches powder kept under refrigeration for 48 hours. To determine the organoleptic characteristics of the extract, color, viscosity, odor and clarity were observed. For the physical-chemical characterization, the dry residue, pH, relative density were determined and the phytochemical characterization was performed by determining characteristic chemical groups (phenolic compounds, tannins, alkaloids and flavonoids). In the physico-chemical characterization of the obtained shampoo, pH, viscosity and foam index were analyzed. The vegetable drug obtained showed a yield of 21.93% ± 0.45; humidity 7.25% ± 0.12 and ash 14.11% ± 0.53. The M. charantia aqueous extract had the following characteristics: pH 8.48 ± 0.01; density 1.0113 ± 0.0012; extractive content 2.12% ± 0.02 and positive reaction for phenolic compounds and alkaloids and slightly positive reaction for tannins and flavonoids. The shampoo had a pH of 5.80 ± 0.14; relative density 1.0074 ± 0.03; viscosity 2093, 33 cP, suitable organoleptic characteristics and slightly acidic pH (5.80), in accordance with that indicated for liquid shampoos. The centrifuge test showed no macroscopic changes and the foam index showed consistency and density with slow decay over time, varying from 8.5 cm to 5.0 cm after 30 minutes. Thus, the shampoo showed a pleasant appearance and promising rheological and stability characteristics to the present formulation therapeutic potential as an alternative for the treatment of pediculosis.