Carica papaya as a mucosa enhancer in gastric lesion after ethanol administration in adult male Wistar rats

Abstract

This study was performed to determine the regenerative potential of Cariaca papaya leaves (CPL) on 50% ethanol-induced gastric lesions. It involves histological studies, including Haemotoxylin and Eosin, Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), Aldehyde Fuchsin and Van Geison’s stain, in the stomach of male adult Wistar rats. Twenty-four male adult Wistar rats weighing 180- 220g were used in this study, with the animals divided into three groups (n=8 per group).The control group (group A; n=8) received phosphate buffered saline orally, with the aid of a cannula. 1 ml of 50% ethanol was administered orally, by a cannula, to produce the gastric lesion in group B (n=8). And in the group C, 500 mg/kg body weight of paw paw leaf extract was administered orally, with a cannula, twelve hours after ethanol administration to the rats. This experiment lasted for twenty one consecutive days.

     Histological studies showed the rat’s gastric mucosa to be eroded, following ethanol administration; and after the treatment with CPL, some form of regeneration was observed.