PREPARATION OF STABLE EFFERVESCENT GRANULES FROM THE EXTRACT OF CARICA PAPAYA FOR THE TREATMENT OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA ASSOCIATED WITH DENGUE

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral infection that presents with severe symptoms, including thrombocytopenia and platelet dysfunction. Due to the absence of a definitive antiviral treatment or widely available vaccine, supportive therapies are critical in managing the disease. Medicinal plants such as Carica papaya have shown therapeutic promise in restoring platelet counts due to their bioactive compounds like papain. However, traditional dosage forms of papaya extract have limitations in stability and patient compliance.

Objective: To develop and evaluate stable effervescent granules from Carica papaya leaf extract with improved patient acceptability and optimized pharmaceutical properties.

Methods: Fresh leaves of Carica papaya were collected, dried, and powdered. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts were prepared using maceration methods. Effervescent granules were formulated using citric acid, tartaric acid, and sodium bicarbonate, incorporating various doses: 2g/15mL and 3g/20mL (alcoholic extract), 5g powdered drug, and water extract. Granules were evaluated for pH, effervescence time, particle size distribution, angle of repose, compressibility index, and moisture content. Stability testing was conducted for up to six months.

Results: The 3g/20mL alcoholic extract granules demonstrated the best performance, with effervescence onset within 1–2 seconds and pH of 5.0, falling within pharmacopeial range. These granules showed good flow properties with an angle of repose <30° and compressibility index of 13%. Moisture content was 2.7%, and particle size distribution revealed 85.3% retention on sieve no. 40. In contrast, water-based granules lost stability within 24 hours and failed to produce effervescence after storage.

Conclusion: Effervescent granules formulated with 3g/20mL alcoholic extract of Carica papaya exhibited optimal pharmaceutical characteristics and stability, making them a promising candidate for supportive dengue therapy.