Aqueous Extract of Carica papaya Leaves Protects Against Streptozotocin-Induced Renal Oxidative Stress and Dysfunction

Adebayo OF; Egesie G; Odeh OS

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i3.1168

Authors

Adebayo OF Physiology Department, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bingham University, Kodope, Karu, Nasarawa State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6998-7830
Egesie G Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Odeh OS Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i3.1168

Keywords:

antioxidant, anti-diabetes, Carica papaya, n-hexane, metformin

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a global health challenge frequently complicated by oxidative stress–mediated nephropathy, and the nephroprotective potential of Carica papaya leaves remains underexplored. This study investigated the renoprotective potential of aqueous extract and fractions of Carica papaya leaves in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Wistar rats.

Methods: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: normal control, STZ-diabetic control, metformin (200 mg/kg), n-hexane fraction (400 mg/kg), aqueous extract (200 mg/kg), and aqueous extract of Carica papaya (400 mg/kg). Diabetes was induced with streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.), and treatments were administered orally for 42 days. Body weight, fasting glucose, insulin, renal function indices, oxidative stress markers, and renal histology were evaluated.

Results: STZ-diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycaemia (16.93 ± 0.52 mmol/L), insulin depletion (5.33 ± 1.24 mIU/L), and renal impairment with elevated creatinine (94.89 ± 10.95 µmol/L) and urea (104.87 ± 13.92 mg/dL). Treatment with Carica papaya significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved these parameters. The aqueous extract of Carica papaya (400 mg/kg) reduced glucose (4.93 ± 1.11 mmol/L), increased insulin (11.24 ± 0.56 mIU/L), and lowered creatinine (55.54 ± 0.76 µmol/L) and urea (54.86 ± 1.19 mg/dL). The n-hexane fraction produced the strongest antioxidant effect, restoring Superoxide dismutase (65.00 ± 1.57 U/mL), Catalase (45.67 ± 0.60 U/mg protein), and Gluthatione (9.57 ± 0.87 mM), while reducing Malonaldehyde (7.00 ± 0.62 µM). Histology showed that while untreated diabetic rats exhibited severe renal damage, metformin and Carica papaya leaf fractions offered varying degrees of nephroprotection

Conclusion: Carica papaya leaf extract, especially at higher doses and in its n-hexane fraction, protects against diabetic renal injury by improving glycaemic control, enhancing antioxidant status, and preserving kidney function.