Development of Lozenges from Fruit Extract of Balanites aegyptiaca (L) Delile (Zygophyllaceae) for the Treatment of Occasional Constipation

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del. is a plant whose fruit pulp is traditionally used to treat constipation. They possess inherent laxative properties. This study aimed to improve upon the traditional method of use by developing lozenges with these laxative properties. An infusion was performed, and the physicochemical characteristics of the lyophilized extract were determined. The lozenges were formulated from the extract, and their quality and laxative efficacy in vivo were controlled in NMRI strain mice. The extract was yellow, had a bitter-sweet taste, a characteristic smell, and a fine texture. The pH was 5.56, and the RMC was 1.16%. The powder was highly hygroscopic, and the extraction yield was 33.71%, with a saponoside content of 2.76 μgED/mg. Fifteen (15) formulations were prepared, and formulation F7 was selected for the incorporation of the extract. The F7 was yellow, sweet, with an uncharacteristic odor and a hard appearance. The lozenges were uniform (1.95±0.04 g), with an average pH of 5.85±0.07 and a saponoside content of 2.01±0.26 μgED/mg. The lozenges had an accelerated intestinal transit percentage of 75.74±3.22%, comparable to that of the extract (78.10±4.32%) and castor oil (81.84±9.46%). After slowing down transit with loperamide (45.24±2.38%), the lozenges (60.84±7.13%) brought the percentage close to normal transit (65.94±3.33%). This study highlighted the laxative efficacy of lozenges made from Balanites aegyptiaca fruit pulp extract.