Protective Effect of Carica Papaya L. Seed Extract in Gentamicin Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Rats

A study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous seed extract of Carica papaya L. on gentamicin induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats. A control group (Group I, n=12) was compared with rats administrated with 40 mg/kg gentamicin, once daily for 14 days (Groups II, III and IV, n=12 each). The effect of aqueous extract of Carica papaya L. at a dose level of 200 mg/kg (Group III) and taurine @ 1000 mg/kg body weight (Group IV) was compared with gentamicin treated group (Group II). The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine and uric acid values were significantly increased in rats exposed to gentamicin (Group II). Moreover, administration of gentamicin resulted in damage to liver and kidney structures. Administration of aqueous extract of Carica papaya L. before gentamicin exposure prevented severe alterations of biochemical parameters and disruptions of liver and kidney structures. In conclusion, this study obviously demonstrated that pretreatment with aqueous extract of Carica papaya L. significantly attenuated the physiological and histopathological alterations induced by gentamicin. Also, the present study identifies new areas of research for development of better therapeutic agents for liver, kidney, and other organs dysfunctions and diseases.