Anti-ulcerative and biochemical effects of aqueous extract of Carica papaya pulp on indomethacin-induced ulcerative rats

Carica papaya is a tropical and subtropical fruit plant recognized for its medicinal properties. Ulcer remains a significant health concern in many developing countries, including Nigeria. In this study, we investigated the effects of aqueous extract of Carica papaya pulp on male rats with indomethacin-induced ulcer and the bacteria, Helicobacter pylori from human stool. Thirty (30) healthy male wistar rats were randomly assigned into six (6) groups of five rats each as follows; Group A, B, C, D, E, and F. Ulcer was induced using indomethacin in all the groups except Group A; Group B was left untreated; Group C was treated using a standard drug (Omeprazole); and different doses (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg) of the extract was administered orally to Groups D, E, and F respectively. The results of the in vitro analysis indicated that the bacteria (Helicobacter pylori) did not respond well to the extract showing less inhibition (11.20 mm) compared to the expected response (23.50 mm). From the results obtained, it was revealed that the aqueous extract of C. papaya pulp slightly exhibited an antiulcer activity in wistar albino rats although with reduced efficacy and potency. The administration of the extract showed significant increase in values of total bilirubin (p = 0.027) while significant decline was observed in levels of AST (p = 0.16), ALP (p = 0.22), ALT (p = 0.83) and direct bilirubin (p = 0.70). The results showed no statistically significant difference in both the urea (p = 0.639) and creatinine (p = 0.191) concentrations which suggests that aqueous extract of Carica papaya pulp is safe for consumption in the case of toxicity to the kidney.