The aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya Linn. Prevents carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Carica papaya Linn. is known to have a versatile application in African folkloric medicine. In the current study, the dose-dependent (100 - 400 mg/kg/day/oral route) and time-course protective effects of the 400 mg/kg/oral route of the aqueous seed extract of unripe and mature Carica papaya fruit (CPE) were investigated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxic rats for 72 hours. Results showed the extract to cause significant (p<0.05, p<0.001), dose related attenuation in the elevation of serum liver enzyme markers of acute hepatocellular injury (ALT, AST), serum lipids (TG, TC, HDL-c, LDL-c and VLDL-c) and serum proteins (TP and ALB). Maximum hepatoprotection was offered at an oral dose of 400 mg/kg/day of the extract. The biochemical results obtained were corroborated by improvements in the CCl4-induced hepatic histological changes. In addition, maximum hepatoprotection was offered at the 400 mg/kg of CPE for up to 3 hours post-CCl4 induction. In conclusion, the results obtained in the current study justify the folkloric application of CPE in the treatment of drug-related hepatic injury. Industrial relevance: Results of the current study provide some scientific information to develop safe and effective products such as food supplements, dietary supplements, etc. that could be useful in the clinical management of patients with drug related hepatic disorders. © 2009 Healthy Synergies Publications.