Abstract

Background and Aim: Traditionally Carica papaya has been used for the management of Diabetes mellitus.
Methods: Fresh leaves of C. papaya were extracted using methanol as the solvent. Phytochemical analysis was conducted using qualitative procedure while the elemental analysis was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A total number of 36 albino rats were used for the study which were randomly divided into six groups (A-F) of 6 rats each. Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of freshly prepared Streptozotocin (STZ) in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5) at a dose of 65 mg/kg body weight. Blood glucose levels were determined using glucose meter and test strips (Accuchek). Results: The phytochemical constituents identified include saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, cardenolides, phytosterols and terpenoids. While, the minerals identified include potassium, chlorine and trace amount of zinc, lead, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium and manganese. The effect of methanolic extract of C. papaya leaves on mean blood glucose level of STZ induced hyperglycaemic Albino rats at 1, 3, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 24 hours indicated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease at the dose rate of 1000 mg/kg body weight compared to control which indicated a dose dependent decrease. The effect of methanolic extract of C. papaya leaves indicated a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in fasting blood glucose level in all test groups.
Conclusion: Thus, Carica papaya leaves have a hypoglycaemic effect which may be attributed to the presence of certain phytochemical and elemental constituents.

Key words: Hypoglycaemic, Phytochemical, Carica papaya leaves, Methanolic extract