Biochemical Impact of Carica Papaya (Pawpaw) leaves Extract and Ruzu Bitters on Hematology and Brain Histology in Sprague Dawley Rats

Plant-based products have been utilized for nutritional and medicinal purposes for decades. Although the reported benefits of Carica papaya (Pawpaw) leave extract, its role in hematology, brain histology, and the possible side effect are still areas of research deliberation. Thirty (30) male Sprague Dawley rats, divided into three groups, were fed on rat chow and normal saline, Carica papaya leaves extract and Ruzu bitters, respectively. Blood chemistry, hematology, and brain histology were assayed to ascertain their effects on brain structure and biochemical changes. White blood cells, hemoglobin, red blood cells, platelets, and packed cell volume were carefully evaluated. In the sub-chronic test, there were no significant changes in PCV (%) in the papaya extract and Ruzu bitters group, relative to the control. There was a significant increase in hemoglobin levels in the papaya and Ruzu bitters groups. Carica papaya leaves extract and Ruzu bitters significantly increased certain serum biochemistry parameters (p < 0.05), compared to the control group. Our study revealed that C. papaya leaves extract possess an immunomodulatory effect and did not show any detrimental effect on the brain histology, liver, and general well-being, unlike Ruzu bitters. The neuroprotective effect of the extract is apparent from the intact brain structure of treated rats compared to the other group, (p < 0.05). The hydro-ethanol leaf extract of Carica papaya possesses neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-hemolytic and immunomodulatory effects compared to the Ruzu bitters. However, both extracts’ long-term administration should be taken cautiously and further investigated.