Protective effect of Carica papaya L leaf extract against alcohol induced acute gastric damage and blood oxidative stress in rats
Indran, M.; Mahmood, A.A.; Kuppusamy, U.R.
West Indian Medical Journal 57(4): 323-326
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-3144 PMID: 19566009 Document Number: 623768
The effects of Carica papaya leaf (CPL) aqueous extract on alcohol induced acute gastric damage and the immediate blood oxidative stress level were studied in rats. The results showed that gastric ulcer index was significantly reduced in rats pretreated with CPL extract as compared with alcohol treated controls. The in vitro studies using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picryl-Hydrazyl (DPPH) assay showed strong antioxidant nature of CPL extract. Biochemical analysis indicated that the acute alcohol induced damage is reflected in the alterations of blood oxidative indices and CPL extract offered some protection with reduction in plasma lipid peroxidation level and increased erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity. Carica papaya leaf may potentially serve as a good therapeutic agent for protection against gastric ulcer and oxidative stress.