KUMJ | VOL. 23 | NO. 4 | ISSUE 92 | OCTOBER-DECEMBER

The Efficacy of Calendula Officinalis Extract on the Mortality of Demodex Folliculorum
Rokaya N, Chaichalotornkul S, Saiwichai T

Abstract:
Background Calendula officinalis is believed to exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Consequently, it was evaluated for Demodex folliculorum mite which is associated with several dermatosis. Many available treatments have some demerits and there is growing demand for alternative therapies. Till now there is no in-vitro experiment of Calendula on mite. This investigational study aimed to highlights the effect of Calendula on Demodex. Objective To study the efficacy of Calendula officinalis flower extract on the mortality of Demodex folliculorum in-vitro. Method Demodex mites were collected from 44 healthy participants (alive mites reported in 40 participants) having oily complexion and demodicosis-affected skin using skin scraping, squeezing, and SSSB. Various concentration of Calendula extract, 1% ivermectin, coconut oil and immersion oil were then applied to Demodex. Each chemical was randomly introduced to ten mites. Under microscopic observation, complete immobility following needle stimulation indicated mortality. Groups were compared on survival time (ST) from chemical exposure to full immobility. The experiment was repeated three times to ensure accuracy and a reliable comparison of chemical’s effect on mite survival. Result In the in-vitro investigation, the flower extract of Calendula officinalis had no direct parasiticidal effect on the Demodex even at concentration 100% w/v. Thus, it was inferior to ivermectin in mite eradication. Coconut oil also demonstrated similar effect. The efficacy of acaricidal agents against Demodex is ranked as follows: ivermectin 1% > Calendula officinalis = coconut oil = immersion oil. Conclusion This experimental study demonstrated that Calendula officinalis flower extract lacks significant acaricidal effects on Demodex folliculorum. Hence, Calendula extract cannot be utilized as a direct anti-Demodex agent in demodicosis. Nevertheless, anti-inflammatory properties of Calendula from previous studies might control inflammation a primary factor disrupting skin homeostasis. Hence, Calendula may serve as a supportive therapy in maintaining parasitostasis on skin, without eliminating Demodex.
Keyword : Acaricides, Calendula, Demodex, Demodicosis, Mortality, Survival time (ST)