Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)

Background: Medicinal plants have been used as therapeutics before modern medications became prevalent.Objective: The objective of the research work was aimed at evaluating the preliminary investigation of phytochemical properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (pawpaw) seeds and its hypoglycemic effect on streptozotocin-induced diabetic in wistar rats. Materials and Methods: The phytochemical properties of aqueous extract of C. papaya seeds were conducted using the methods of Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Twenty-five (25) male wistar rats weighing between 172 and 296 g were distributed into five groups. Group 1: normal control, group 2: 45 mg/kg STZ, group 3: 10 mg/kg Glibenclamide, group 4: 50 mg/kg aqueous extract of C. papaya, group 5: 100 mg/kg aqueous extract of C. papaya) which were used for the physiological study. Diabetes was induced with 45 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Results: In C. papaya aqueous extract, the results of the phytochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids and phenols. The effect of C. papaya on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus on experimental wistar rats showed significant decrease in the blood sugar levels for group 4 (50 mg/kg aqueous extract) and group 5 (50 mg/kg aqueous extract) at day 1, day 3 and day 7 treatment periods; with day 7 showing the highest significance compared with other groups. The aqueous extract of C. papaya also decreased the biochemical parameters in comparison with normal control. In the kidney of diabetic treated rats, Carica papaya reduced distortion of the renal corpuscles (glomeruli and Bowman’s capsules), as well as accumulation of glycogen and lipids was prevented. Pancreatic islet cells were normal in non-diabetic treated animals, whereas in diabetic treated rats, C. papaya helps islet regeneration manifest as preservation of cells occurred. Conclusion: The research into medicinal plants should be encouraged in order to discover other important therapeutic properties of plant parts for the management of ailments.