Anti-diabetic potential, biochemical and histopathological changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with Carica papaya extract

Joseph Bamidele  Minari; Godwin Offumobi  Ogar; Adebayo Joseph  Bello; Idris  Ameen

Joseph Bamidele Minari Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
Godwin Offumobi Ogar Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
Adebayo Joseph Bello Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria
Idris Ameen Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, University of Lagos, Akoka, Nigeria

Keywords: Carica papaya, Diabetes mellitus, Alloxan monohydrate, Albino rats, Blood glucose levels

Abstract

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The toxicity of oral antidiabetic drugs differs widely in clinical manifestations, severity, and treatment. Alternative medicines particularly herbal medicines are available for the treatment of diabetes. This study investigated the anti-diabetic, biochemical and histopathological changes of Carica papaya extract in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Rats were randomly grouped into negative control, positive control and experimented (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight). Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 160 mg/kg body weight of alloxan. Blood glucose levels were measured using blood glucose test strips with AccuCheck Advantage II glucometer at 1, 3, 6, and 24 h on the first day and 1 h after treatment on days 3, 5 and 7. Phytochemical and histopathological analysis of Carica papaya extract and pancreas tissues were also carried out respectively. Blood samples were collected and centrifuged to separate serum for estimation of biochemical parameters. The phytochemical screening revealed that alkaloids, reducing sugar, anthraquinones, flavonoids, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and steroids were present while only tarnins and phenols was absent. Histopathological study on pancreas in the treatment group indicates the presence of pancreatic islet cells and increased number of islet of Langerhans. Daily oral administration of Carica papaya extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight) showed beneficial effects on blood glucose level at (p<0.05). Biochemical profile and hematological reductive effect was observed in the groups treated with the aqueous stem extract of Carica papaya. This study showed that Carica papaya extracts possess anti-diabetic activities as well as improve liver and renal profile and total lipids levels.