Effect of Methanol Extract of Unripe Carica papaya Pulp on Lipid Profile and Liver Function of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats

Background: Carica papaya is commonly used in the treatment of various diseases like constipation, piles, hypertension and malaria. The ameliorative effect of Carica papaya on alloxan-induced diabetic rats has been suggested by several studies.

Aim: The present study aims to investigate the effect of methanolic extract of unripe Carica papaya pulp on the lipid profile and liver biomarkers of a diabetic rat.

Materials and Methods: After acclimatization, thirty-two (32) animals were randomly classified into 8 groups (4 rats per group). The different test (extract) groups received in addition to normal diet ad libitum, dosages of 200, 400, 600 and 1000 mg/kg/day of the Carica papaya extract. The normal and negative control groups received a normal diet, while the positive control was given oral treatment with 6 mg/65 kg/day of glibenclamide as well as the normal diet. After 28 successive days of treatment, all the experimental rats were sacrificed by ocular puncture and the serum used in the evaluation of body lipids, liver function parameters and biochemical indexes.

Results: The administration of the unripe Carica papaya extract resulted in a dose-dependent and significant decrease (p<0.05) in serum albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein, and in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. There was, however, a significant increase in High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level for 400-1000 mg/kg extract groups. The result also showed a reduced cholesterol level at an extract dose of 1000 mg/kg/day.

Conclusion: The ameliorative properties of the unripe pulp of Carica Papayaon biochemical parameters of a diabetic rat, as shown from the result could be indicative that unripe Carica papaya can be valuable in the management of diabetes mellitus and other complications that may arise.