Anti-neuroinflammatory Potential of Carica Papaya Pulp Extract in Rats

The brain is the most sensitive organ to oxidative stress. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a well-known environmental biohazard which can cause free radicals’ generation and toxicity in the brain. We studied the anti-inflammatory effects of Carica Papaya pulp extract against CCl4 -induced brain inflammation in rats. We randomly divided 40 Sprague-Dawley male rats into 5 groups: Control, CCl4(2ml/kg BW 3times a week) treated group, pulp extract fed group, pulp extract fed group treated with CCl4, pulp extract fed group treated with CCl4 for 8weeks then treated with the extract(250 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. We analysed the pulp extract using Gas chromatography/ mass spectrometry and it showed high flavonoid and phenol contents. Rats treated with CCl4 developed features of oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain due to the reduction of serum total antioxidant, brain content of glutathione, brain activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase and increase brain malondialdehyde. Additionally, CCl4 caused an elevation in the inflammatory markers (Interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha) and the neurotoxicity markers (brain activities of monoamine oxidase and acetylcholine) and showed a significant decrease in brain ATP. Treating rats with the extract improved the levels of brain antioxidant and neuroinflammatory markers, lipid profile, liver and kidney function. The neuroprotective effect of papaya extract is likely attributed to its ability to scavenge free radicals, improve the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, and suppress the inflammatory responses. Our results suggested that the papaya pulp extract is a powerful protective natural antioxidant that shields the brain from inflammation.

Author(s): Nadia Zaki Shaban

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article