A comparative study of the scabicidal activities of formulations of essential oil of Lippia multiflora Moldenke and benzyl benzoate emulsion BP

The scabicidal activities of two topical emulsion formulations (Lippia oil emulsions A and B), each containing 20% w/w essential oil of Lippia multiflora (Lippia oil), were compared with that of benzyl benzoate emulsion BP using randomized, double blind and group parallel studies. The percentage cure obtained for Lippia oil emulsion A were 50%, 80% and 80% on application for 3, 5 and 7 days, respectively, compared with 30%, 60% and 70% obtained for benzyl benzoate emulsion BP for the same treatment periods. There was no significant difference between the percentages of scabietic subjects cured with the two formulations (A and B) of Lippia oil (P > 0.05). Six adverse effects were reported for the Lippia oil emulsions, while 10 adverse effects were reported for benzyl benzoate emulsion BP. Since the Lippia oil emulsions were more effective and better tolerated than the benzyl benzoate emulsion, they were considered as additional formulations for the treatment of scabies.