Evaluation of the Hepato and Reno protective Effects of Methanol Seed Extract of Unripe Carica papaya (pawpaw) Seed in Wistar Rats Exposed to Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)

Abstract

Rapid urbanization leads to high rates of organ failure due to toxic industrial emissions. This necessitates the need to develop solutions from natural materials, with the perceived potential to protect vital organs against the damaging effects of these emissions that can be easily transformed into beverages. This study evaluated the hepato and reno-protective effects of methanol seed extract of unripe Carica papaya (pawpaw). Twenty-five adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group I served as the normal control and received 2 ml of distilled water. Group II was the negative control (administered CCl₄ only). Groups III-V were administered 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg of methanol seed extract of unripe fruit before induction of renal and hepatic damage with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The extract was administered to animals for 28 days, after which the animals were euthanized, and samples were collected in appropriately labeled containers. Evaluation of serum markers of hepatic and renal injury was performed using standard procedures. Both serum hepatic and renal markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, and urea) were elevated in the negative control group beyond the levels reported for the normal control. However, a contrary observation was made in urea, creatinine, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO₃, and ALT, AST, and ALP, respectively. In conclusion, it can be inferred from the results of this study that methanol extract of unripe pawpaw seed has the potential to protect against hepatic and renal damage.