Toxicological Evaluation of the Aqueous Extracts of Unripe Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) Fruit in Experimental Rats

摘要

The toxicity of the aqueous extracts of unripe Carica papaya fruit in experimental rats was investigated. Thirty (30) mice were used for the determination of lethal dose (LD50). The mice were divided into five groups and were orally administered with5000, 2500, 1250, 625 and 312.5 mg/kg body weight of the unripe C. papaya extract for group 1, 2, 3. 4 and 5 respectively. Thirty (30) albino rats were also randomly divided into five groups (Group 1-5) of six rats each. Group one contained rats not treated (control), group two pawpaw extract (500mg/kg), group three (250 mg/kg). group four (125 mg/kg), group five (62.5 mg/kg). Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were determined.For LD50 administration of doses for the mice in all groups caused no death or any observable signs of toxicity even after 48 hours of administration. There was slight increase in AST activity in the serum of rats given extracts of 500mg/kg and 250mg/kg.Also, there was little or no significant increase in ALT activity in 500mg/kg, 125mg/kg and 62.5mg/kg when compared to the control group. Increase in ALP activity in the serum of the rats in the groups was not significant when*compared with the control. The overall results suggest non toxicity and suitability of aqueous extracts of C. papaya fruits for treatment of diseases.