Unaltered stroma and parenchyma in vital organs of rat models following administration of low dose of Carica papaya leaf

Abstract

Felix M. Onyije, Vivian C. Zenebo, Julius K. Bankole,Kester A. Digban, Godwin O. Avwioro

Background: The use of Carica papaya leaves for medicines and food in our rural areas is rampant, this is due to its availability and testimonies of its efficacy. Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the activities of C. papaya on the histo-architecture of some organs. Materials and Methods: About 20 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 each and received tap water, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 g/kg of ethanolic extract of C. papaya PO once a day for 14 days after which biochemical analyses was performed on the blood samples. The tissues were examined histologically. Results: Albumin was significantly increased (37.6 ± 2.70) in Group B (5 mg/kg) when compared with the control (32.4 ± 2.30). AST decreased significantly in all the treatment groups (68 ± 1.58, 87.4 ± 403, and 89 ± 1.58) when compared with the control (93.6 ± 1.14). ALT decreased in all groups but was significant in Group C (7.5 mg/kg) 22.8 ± 2.16 when compared with the control (30 ± 2.12). Urea decreased significantly in all the groups (3.34 ± 0.11, 3.78 ± 0.50, and 3.36 ± 0.28), creatinine decreased significantly in Group B (35.4 ± 2.79) when compared to their controls (4.52 ± 0.37 and 50.8 ± 6.37), respectively. Na+ and K+ significantly decreased in Groups C and B, respectively; there was no significant difference in other groups and electrolytes. There was increased level of both packed cell volume and hemoglobin significantly. Histologically, there were no tissue alterations in all the treatment groups. Conclusion: Complementary and alternative medicine is fast gaining popularity; this necessitates swift research on various dose ranges.