Hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic leaves extract of Carica papaya (Pawpaw) on Alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats

Abstract

The hepatoprotective effects of Carica papaya's ethanolic leaves extract were evaluated. Twenty-five Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced via intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg body weight) after 16 hours of fasting. Blood glucose levels were checked 72 hours post-induction. Rats with levels ≥200 mg/dL were considered diabetic. The groups consisted of: (I) normoglycemic control, (II) diabetic non-treated, (III) diabetic treated with metformin (10 mg/kg), and (IV-V) diabetic treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract, respectively. Treatments lasted 21 days. Blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture, and serum was analyzed for liver enzymes, total protein, bilirubin, and albumin. Results showed significant decreases (p < 0.05) in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, direct bilirubin, total bilirubin, and blood glucose levels in groups treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract. Significant increases (p < 0.05) in total protein and albumin were also observed. This study demonstrates the ethanolic leaves extract of Carica papaya's antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats.