Evaluation of the oxytocic and haematogical effects of leaves of Carica papaya Linn (Caricaceae)

Odoh Uchenna Estella 1, *, Osadebe Patience Ogoamaka 2 and Etienne Felix Emmanuel 1

1 Department of Pharmacognosy and Environmental Medicines, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
2 Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2020, 06(02), 212-226
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2020.6.2.0164
 
Publication history: 
Received on 20 May 2020; revised on 26 May 2020; accepted on 27 May 2020
 
Abstract: 
The aim of this study is to investigate the oxytocic activity of the methanol leaf extract of Carica papaya Linn (Caricaceae) and its effect on haematological parameters. Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity also studied using standard methods. The Carica papaya leaves were extracted with 10 liters of methanol. The Carica papaya methanol leaf extract (CPMLE) was given at dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg once daily. The oxytocic effect was done using in-vitro method of isolated rat uterus tissue. Oxytocin and acetylcholine used as standard drugs. The weight and blood samples were taken from animals every seven days for twenty- one days while being fed. Haematological study was done using in-vivo method on pregnant and non-pregnant Swiss albino rat. The studied doses of CPMLE cumulatively applied to the bath-fluid caused dose related, significant increase in baseline tone and induced spontaneous, rhythmic, myogenic contractions of the uterine muscle strips taken from stilbesterol-pretreated, non-pregnant female and pregnant rats. There was significant (p< 0.05) increase in mean haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and packed cell volume as compared to control receiving distilled water. There was a significant (p< 0.05) decrease in the white blood cell count in the test groups relative to that observed in the control group. The preliminary phytochemical analysis showed that CPMLE contained saponins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides etc. The extract caused no deaths up to 5000 mg/kg showing the extract is relatively safe. In conclusion, the results show that CPMLE do possess oxytocic and hematological effect.
 
Keywords: 
Carica papaya; Haematological Analysis; Phytochemical Studies; Oxytocic; Acute Toxicity Studies.
 
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