Dose-dependent Attenuating Effects of Aqueous Extract of Carica papaya Seed on CarbonTetrachloride-Induced Renal Toxicity in Rats

A reasonable population of the world today uses herbal drugs.Carica papaya is one of those fruits that is documented to have the potentials of being used for medicinal purposes.In the present study, theeffects of aqueous extract of Carica papaya seeds on a CCl4-induced renal toxicity was studied. A total of thirty (30) Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups (n=6). Group 1 (control)was administered with rat chow and water. Group 2,3,4 and 5 received CCl4intraperitoneally (IP) at a dose of 0.8mg/kg and group 3, 4 and 5 received in addition 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg extract of Carica papayafor 28 days orally respectively. Samples were collected and assayed for the renal function markers (urea, creatinine and electrolyte). Results obtained showed a dose-dependent statistically-significant decrease in therenal function markers except potassium, which suggests that the extract has a nephro-protective effect. These findings need be further investigated for application in the health care delivery.