Phytochemical and Anthelmintic Evaluation of Carica papaya Seed Extracts Against Ascaris suum Larvae

Soil-transmitted helminthiasis caused by Ascaris species is prevalent among school-age children in the rural communities of Cross River State, South South Nigeria, where poor sanitation and limited access to anthelmintic drugs sustain high transmission rates. Carica papaya seeds are widely administered as an anthelmintic remedy in these communities, with limited scientific validation specific to the South South context. This study evaluates the phytochemical composition and in vitro anthelmintic activity of aqueous and methanol seed extracts of Carica papaya against Ascaris suum larvae, a widely accepted surrogate model. Seeds were obtained from farms in Calabar and Ogoja local government areas. Phytochemical screening identified benzyl glucosinolate, carpaine alkaloid, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. In vitro anthelmintic assays measured larval motility inhibition and mortality at extract concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL, with albendazole (25 ug/mL) as the positive control. Methanol extract at 100 mg/mL achieved 94.8% larval motility inhibition within 4 hours. The aqueous extract showed dose-dependent activity though at a slower onset. Carpaine and benzyl isothiocyanate, the principal bioactive compounds, were tentatively correlated with anthelmintic efficacy based on structural activity literature. These findings support scientific validation of Carica papaya seeds as an anthelmintic agent and justify further in vivo studies. Keywords: Carica papaya, anthelmintic, Ascaris suum, carpaine, Cross River State