Asian Journal of Research and Reports in Hepatology

A Study on the Hepatoprotective Potential of Methanol Seed Extract of (Carica papaya) Pawpaw in CCl4 Induced Hepatic Damage in Wistar Rats

Elendu Melford Uche *

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Ejiofor Dominic Chinedu

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Azunna Uchenna

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.

Ogwo Elisha Uko

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.

Ubani Clement Dimgba

Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

The liver performs a variety of crucial metabolic processes, including being a hub for the metabolism of nutrients and the excretion of waste products. The liver plays a vital role in life. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective efficacy of Carica papaya seed extract on hepatic damage induced with CCl₄. Carica papaya seeds obtained from ripe pawpaw fruit were processed into fine powder and subsequently extract. Thirty adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Groups II-VI were administered carbon tetrachloride (2 mL/kg body weight) and olive mixed in the ratio of 1:1 to induce acute liver injury. Group I was the normal control and was administered 1 mL/kg of distilled water. Group II was not administered CP extract. Group III was administered 100 mg/kg bw of CP extract. Group IV was administered 200 mg/kg bw of CP extract. Group V was administered 300 mg/kg bw of CP extract. Group VI was administered 100 mg/kg bw of standard drug (Silymarin). Animal body weight was determined twice i.e., at the commencement the study and at the completion of the study. Administration of carbon tetrachloride significantly (P<0.05) raised the activities of the liver enzymes i.e., Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). However, oral administration of CP seed extract significantly (P<0.05) lowered the activities of the said enzymes though to level which were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that reported for the normal control. A contrary observation was however made on the activity of AST. The body weight of rat at the completion of the experiment was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that reported at the commencement of the study. Meanwhile, a contrary observation was made on group II. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that that methanol seed extract of Carica papaya may have the ability to ameliorate chemically induced hepatic damage.

Keywords: Liver, enzymes, Carica papaya, hepatoprotective, silymarin

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