A study has demonstrated that water-soluble berberine and lipid-soluble niclosamide effectively inhibit the survival of Demodex folliculorum, a mite associated with ocular conditions like Demodex blepharitis.
Researchers tested various solvents and cosolvents to determine optimal drug formulations. Double-distilled water (DDW) was selected for berberine, while polyethylene glycol 300 (PEG300) was preferred for niclosamide to minimize irritation. The study found that 0.2% berberine significantly reduced Demodex survival compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Niclosamide, at a 0.5% concentration, exhibited a stronger anti-Demodex effect than 20% tea tree oil (P < 0.001).
Niclosamide-treated mites also showed morphological changes, such as increased transparency and body distortion. Both drugs demonstrated good tolerability and safety in a mouse model.
Reference
Guo S, Wang Y, Li J, et al. In vitro killing effect of berberine and niclosamide on ocular Demodex folliculorum. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2025;48(2):102336. doi: 10.1016/j.clae.2024.102336. Epub 2024 Nov 30. PMID: 39616005.
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