Formulation of an anthelmintic syrup based on the seeds of Carica papaya (Caricaceae)

Abstract

In traditional medicine, of Carica papaya (Caricacea) seeds are used as a coarse powder, in maceration or as an aqueous decoction, for the management of helminthiasis. With the aim of contributing to the management of helminthiasis, this study set out to develop a syrup with anthelmintic properties based on Carica papaya L. seeds The aqueous fluid extract was prepared and subjected to phytochemical screening. A syrup based on this fluid extract was prepared and subjected to a physicochemical and microbiological stability control. To assess the effectiveness of the syrup, a pilot study was initiated. The stools of 441 children aged between 5 and 15 years were examined using Kato-katz technique. The secondary metabolites present in the fluid extract were polyphenols (1.2 g EAT/ml), alkaloids, catechic tannins, flavonoids and mucilages. The syrup prepared contained 15.15% of fluid extract and responded favorably to the pharmacotechnical and microbiological tests of the European Pharmacopoeia 9th edition. Only 43 children tested positive for helminth eggs. The syrup based on Carica papaya L fluid seeds extract proved to be comparable to Albendazole on Ascaris lumbricoides (97.46% reduction rate) and on Trichuris trichiura (100% reduction rate) after two administrations of 20 ml 14 days apart. The treatment was also effective against Necator americanus and Tenia sp; but the number of cases of these last two parasitoses was too low to allow any reliable conclusion. Ultimately, the 15.15% syrup of aqueous fluid extract of Carica papaya L. seeds proved a reliable solution for the management of Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura helminthiasis.