Chougouo Kengne R D
Université des Montagnes, France
Title: Development of antimalaria capsules of Artemisia annua L.: A plant grown in Cameroon
Biography
Biography: Chougouo Kengne R D
Abstract
For several decades, the tea from Artemisia annua has been used as an antimalarial drug. Previous studies indicate that its activity is associated with the presence of a large number of active chemical substances including artemisinin, flavonoids, and essential oils. The use of the tea is effective in clinical trials, although it is inconvenient for patients because of its bitter taste, chemical instability and the large volume required to be taken. This study aims at addressing organoleptic problems of herbal tea to enhance compliance, acceptability and stability of antimalarial drug. First, the ways of producing encapsulated forms from the plant were found out. Many tests were performed on the dry powder of leaves and stems. These included studying organoleptic characteristics, residual moist, ability to hydrate and to compact, the fluidity and the granulometric profile. The artemisinin was determined by a thin layer chromatography / densitometry. Total flavonoids was assessed through a spectrophometer. The capsules were produced in alignment with user acceptability. Other additional control tests were performed on the final product. The powder from these plant parts is grey-green with a characteristic of attractive odor, bitter taste, homogenous, fine and hygroscopic. The residual moist (5.07%); the artemisinin contents (0.5% (m/m)) and the flavonoids (0.43 mg) equivalent of quercetin/g of dry matter. The resulting capsules (250 mg of active principle and 7.5 mg of magnesium stearate as the lubricant) shines and has white-blue color. The average weight (253.7 ± 2.53 g) and the decomposition time < 5 minutes. The water and artemisinin contents kept intact for 30 days after manufacture. The Artemisia annua-based antimalarial capsule developed meet the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia. The dosage form solves the organoleptic problems of herbal tea, thus improving compliance, acceptability and stability of artemisinin. Key words: Malaria, Artemisia annua, Capsules.