EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAF ON THE LIVER OF ADULT WISTAR RATS INDUCED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE HYDROCHLORIDE

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of Carica papaya alcohol leaf extract on the liver of Wister rats orally administered with methamphetamine, as well as its acute toxicity. Standard experimental techniques were employed to assess qualitative phytochemicals. Rats were given a single oral dose of the leaf extract up to 5000 mg/kg BW in order to assess acute toxicity. The experimental rats were group randomly into five (5) groups of five (5) animals each. Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as normal control, negative control, and positive control respectively. Groups 4 and 5 served as the extract treated groups receiving methamphetamine and 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg of the extract respectively. After 14 days of oral administration and treatment, the experimental rats were weighed, sacrificed and the liver organ harvested. This study revealed the presence of phytochemicals, with the most abundant being alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins. Other phytochemicals present in the extract includes glycosides, tannins, phenolic compounds and terpenes. In acute toxicity study LD50, no signs of toxicity or death were recorded in the experimental animals administered with the extract even up to 5000mg/kg. On the sole administration of methamphetamine, the liver showed a serious deterioration of the liver cells when compared to the positive control group. The administration of the extract both 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg resulted to mild healing with moderate intra hepatic inflammation. This study has revealed that Carica papaya aqueous leaf extract is not toxic but safe for therapeutic uses. Furthermore, this study has revealed that the administration of the extract helps heal the liver from substance abuse. This study therefore concludes that the aqueous leaf extract of Carica papaya has hepatho-protective ability against the administration of methamphetamine hydrochloride.