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Bilirubin Lowering Potential of Aqueous Carica Papaya Extract in Induced Jaundice in Rats




Author(s)

M. I. Ayeni, M. A. Akanmu, O. O. Bolaji, S. A. Osasan, G. Olayiwola, M. O. Afolabi and A. M. Morohunfola

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DOI:10.17265/2328-2150/2017.07.011

Background: The mature unripe fruit of aqueous Carica papaya (ACP) is used in Nigerian traditional medicine for the treatment of jaundice. Work done on aqueous extract of the unripe C. papaya in an acute oral toxicity study in rats showed the LD50 to be 2,520 mg/kg in rats. Current study evaluated the bilirubin-lowering potential of ACP extract in phenylhydrazine (40 mg/kg) induced jaundice in adult rats. Method: Jaundice was assessed by measuring the levels of TB (total bilirubin) and DB (direct bilirubin) in phenylhydrazine-treated animals with or without drug treatment, with CUR (curative), PRO (prophylactic study), and in animals with RLC (reduced liver capacity). Results: Result demonstrated that TB level of 24.0 μmols/L, 22.0 μmols/L and 45.0 μmols/L in the jaundiced group of the CUR, PRO and RLC respectively was significantly lowered (p < 0.05) to 10.0, 13.0, and 17.0 respectively by 400 mg/kg of the extract. Total bilirubin level of 24.0 μmols/L, 22.0 μmols/L and 45.0 μmols/L in the jaundiced group of the CUR, PRO and RLC respectively was significantly lowered (p < 0.05) to 7.0, 10.0, and 17.0 respectively by 800 mg/kg extract. Conclusion: The study concluded that ACP fruit extract has ability to lower elevated bilirubin level and confer hepatoprotective effect as seen from the liver function test indices thus justifying its ethnomedicinal use.

Carica papaya, unripe fruit, hepatoprotective, bilirubin, phenylhydrazine, jaundice, rats.

Ayeni, M. I., et al. 2017. “Bilirubin Lowering Potential of Aqueous Carica Papaya Extract in Induced Jaundice in Rats.” Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 5 (7): 457-466.