The Anthelmintic Efficacy of Carica Papaya Seeds and Moringa Oleifera Leaves: A Systematic Review

Nana Yaa Awua-Boateng, Sylvia Afriyie Squire, Issah Bagulo, Denis Dekugmen Yar, Helena Agyei Lartey, Helen Djang-Fordjour* and Prince Kyere Dwaah*

Helminth infections remain a major public health and veterinary concern worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where environmental and socioeconomic conditions facilitate parasite transmission. The increasing emergence of resistance to conventional anthelmintic drugs has intensified interest in plant-based alternatives. This systematic review evaluates available evidence on the anthelmintic efficacy of Carica papaya seeds and Moringa oleifera leaves. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, were searched for relevant studies. Eligible studies included in vitro, in vivo, or clinical investigations reporting quantitative parasitological outcomes. A total of 312 records were identified, of which 47 studies met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from experimental and clinical studies indicates that C. papaya seeds demonstrate consistent anthelmintic activity, frequently producing reductions in faecal egg counts and worm burden between 60% - 85%, largely attributed to the bioactive compound benzyl isothiocyanate. M. oleifera leaf extracts also exhibit measurable anthelmintic activity, primarily through inhibition of egg hatching and larval development, although efficacy is generally lower than that observed for papaya seeds. Overall, the findings suggest that C. papaya seeds possess stronger anthelmintic potential, whereas M. oleifera leaves may serve as supportive or complementary agents in integrated parasite management. Further research using standardized extraction methods and controlled clinical trials is needed to facilitate the development of plant-based anthelmintic therapies.

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Published on: Mar 20, 2026 Pages: 1-7

Full Text PDF Full Text HTML DOI: 10.17352/ijvsr.000156
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