Amelioration of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity by aqueous seed extract of pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) in albino rats

Abstract

Plants being a reservoir of bioactive compounds with pharmaceutical potentials have been the source of raw materials for pharmaceutical industries. The present research investigated the phytochemical constituents and the ameliorating effects of aqueous seed extract of Carica. papaya on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. Thirty rats weighing between 200g – 280g were randomly distributed into five groups of six rats each.  Various doses of 5g/kg/12hr of 20% ethanol per day and (100, 200, 400) mg/kg/day oral doses of the extract were administered for 14 days, to groups C, D and E respectively. Group A took neither ethanol nor extract, while group B was given alcohol without the extract. The animals were sacrificed and biochemical parameters determined following standard protocols. Results showed that the significant increase (p<0.05) in serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and altered electrolytes concentration were reversed by the extract. The hepatic architecture was also preserved. It can be concluded that the extract has potential protective effects on the liver and kidney against ethanol-induced toxicity.