Toxicological, Haemato-Biochemical, Oxidative and Histopathological Evaluation of Methanolic and Aqueous Extract of Carica papaya Seed and Leaf in Wister Rats

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate active toxicity effects of methanolic and aqeous extracts of seeds and leaves of Carica papaya in Wistar ratsa and on Ascaris suum eggs. The study involved both in vitro and in vivo assays. The work demonstrated that both methanolic and aqueous extracts of Carica papaya leaf and seed have anthelminthic activity against larval stages, as they completely stopped the motility of Ascaris suum (P<0.05) The phytochemical screening of seeds and leaves of C. papaya  comprised of alkaloids, sapronin, tannins, flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols, steroids, anthraquinones, cardial glycosides and terpenoides respectively. The seed and leaf extracts of the Carica papaya plant exhibited to have medicinal value against ascariosis (Ascaris suum). Haematological parameters such as total white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, hematocrit, total red blood cell count, haemoglobin count increased slightly within normal range during the experimental period and did not exhibit any discernible treatment-related variation in either the control or treated groups (P>0.5). Methanolic and Aqueous extracts of Carica papaya Leaf and Seed indicated that there was no visible lesion as evidenced by the presence of intact mucosa epithelium, lamina propria, submucosa, muscular and serosa tunical layers in the examined organs of Wister rats. The LD50 value of seed and leaf methanol and aqueous extracts were found to be greater than 5000mg/kg. Analysis of serum biochemical enzymes and electrolytes during and after treatment shows that all biochemical parameters such as Aspartate amino transferase, Alanine amino transferase, Alanine phosphatase, Total protein, Urea, Sodium, Chlorine and Potassium are within normal range during the experimental period and did not exhibit any significant variation in either the control or treated groups (P>0.05). The Histo-architectural structures of organs indicated unnoticeable differences between the control and test groups, according to the microscopic investigation, the intestine, spleen, and heart of the extract-treated rats did not exhibit any changes in cell structure or any negative consequences. The liver showed a marked diffuse hepatocellular degeneration (circular-outline) typified by cytoplasmic vacuolations and nuclear degeneration, the kidney showed moderate glomerular shrinkage, mild widening of urinary visible lesion and focal renal tubular distortion. The alveolar showed that there was moderate thickening of the alveolar septa and a mild presence of cellular debris in the alveolar spaces. Toxicological analysis demonstrated on the plant revealed less oxalate and alkaloids than other regularly consumed food products, and that theseeds and leaves are safe for ingestion Thus, this study support the use of Carica papaya, particularly the leaves and seeds as an anthelmintic agent in the management of infections by traditional or herbal practitioners and indigenous people.