Abstract

Carica papaya (Pawpaw) is a large herb that grows up to 6-9m in height, the seeds are small, black, ovoid and corrugated. Papain and chymopapain are among its biologically active compounds. The aim of the study was to determine the histologic effects of hydromethanol seed extracts of ripe carica papaya (HSEC) on wistar rats’ liver. The objectives were to determine: (a) the LD50 of HSEC. (b) The histologic effect(s) of HSEC. (c) If the effect is dose- dependent and/or time- dependent. (d) If the effect is reversible. HSEC was prepared from blended ripe pawpaw seeds using Hydromethanol in a Rotary evaporator. The LD50 was determined using thirteen albino wistar rats. Thirty-five (35) albino wistar rats were acclimatized divided into three (3) groups (A, B and C) of ten rats and a control group of five. Groups A-C ingested 6, 30 and 60 mg/kg of extract, respectively daily for three weeks. A wash-out period was allowed. Two rats were harvested from; (a) each experimental group on 8th,15th and 22nd days.(b) control group on 22nd (c) each experimental and control group on 50th day. The liver harvested were processed histological and viewed under the light microscope. Photomicrographs were produced for permanent comparative studies. The LD50 ‘ip’ of HSEC was found to be 299 mg/kg. Ballooning necrosis of hepatocytes was seen at higher doses in the second and third weeks. This significant hepatotoxicity increased with increased time and dosage may be attributed to presence of alkaloids. The wash-out study revealed hepatic histology similar to the control means that the withdrawal overcame the hepatotoxicity. The LD50 of HSEC is 299mg/kg. HSEC is hepatotoxic in a time and dose-dependent manner. The hepatotoxicity of HSEC is reversible.

Keywords:

Ballooning, hepatocyte, necrosis, photomicrograph,

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