Saudi Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SJMPS)
Volume-6 | Issue-08 | 541-547
Original Research Article
Preliminary Evaluation of the Physicochemical and Antiplasmodial Properties of Syrup Formulations Containing the Aqueous Root Extract of Nauclea latifolia (Rubiaceae)
Olubunmi J. Olayemi, Lucy B. John-Africa, Chinwe B. Chikwendu, Christianah Y. Isimi
Published : Aug. 22, 2020
Abstract
Malaria is a life-threatening disease with high mortality and prevalence especially in children under the age of 5. Herbal remedies like Nauclea latifolia have been used and found to be effective in the treatment of malaria. However, presentations like decoctions, liquid extracts are not suitable particularly for children. Therefore, in this study, syrup formulations of the dried aqueous root extract of Nauclea latifolia (AREL) were developed using honey, simple syrup BP and water as vehicle in the presence and absence of a sweetener, thickener and preservatives. Organoleptic and physicochemical properties such as odor, color, taste, homogeneity, pH and density were evaluated. Stability of the syrups at room temperature, in the refrigerator and at accelerated temperature was also evaluated. In vivo anti-plasmodial activity of optimized syrup formulation was investigated according to standardized methods. Results show the syrups were brown to amber in color, homogenous and had sweet to bitter taste. The pH of the syrups were between 4.45 and 5.78, flow rate was between 0.00 and 2.17 g/sec. Density was between 1.24 and 1.41 g/mL; syrups containing honey were non-flowing while those formulated with simple syrup were more free-flowing. In vivo studies show that the optimized syrup formulation possess ability to inhibit parasitemia. No observable changes were noticed after the period of storage. This study shows that the development of the dried aqueous root extract of Nauclea latifolia into syrups as a standardized dosage form capable of inhibiting parasitemia could be explored.