Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Aims: The leaves of Carica papaya Linn. (Caricaceae) have been traditionally used as a medicine against some forms of liver diseases. Its hepatoprotective activity against hepatotoxicants like CCl₄ and paracetamol has been scientifically proved in animals. The aim of the present study is to examine the hepatoprotective effect of C. papaya leaves against ethanol and anti-tubercular drug-induced liver damage, the two clinically relevant animal models.
Study Design: The aqueous extract of leaves of the plant was administered orally to rats and effects on hepatic marker enzymes, tissue antioxidants and liver histology were determined.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was performed in Rayat Institute of Pharmacy, Railmajra, Dist. S.B.S. Nagar, Punjab, between Dec’ 2011 to July 2012.
Materials and Methods: The study was performed by administering the aqueous extract of C. papaya leaves at the dose of 400 mg/kg in rats prior to administration of ethanol or combination of Isoniazid and Rifampicin. The effects on the levels of serum indicators of liver damage (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin) and tissue antioxidant parameters like TBARS, GSH and SOD were determined. Histopathology of liver was also performed to study the influence of drug on tissue integrity.
Results: Hepatoprotective activity of leaves of C. papaya was evident by the significant reduction in the levels of all serum markers in both the models. The extract also significantly increased the levels of SOD, GSH and total protein; and decreased the levels of TBARS, indicating its antioxidant effect. The results obtained were also confirmed by improvements in the histopathology of liver.
Conclusion: The results obtained in the current study justify the use of Carica papaya leaves in the prevention of liver damage induced by commonly consumed hepatotoxicants, namely ethanol and anti-tubercular drugs.