Effect of Carica papaya Leaves and Seeds on Electrolyte and Hematological Parameters in Albino Wistar Rats Exposed to Lead Nitrate

Background: Exposure to lead produces a variety of adverse health effects. This study evaluated the effect of aqueous extracts of Carica papaya leaves and seeds on electrolyte and hematological parameters in albino Wistar rats exposed to lead nitrate. Methods: Thirty male albino Wistar rats weighing between 174- 196g were assigned to six groups of five animals. Group 1 served as control, group 2 received 50mg/kg body weight lead nitrate (PbNO3), groups 3 and 4 received 500 mg/kg body weight aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves (CPL) and Carica papaya seed (CPS) respectively, groups 5 and 6 received 50mg/kg body weight PbNO3 + 500mg/kg body weight CPL and CPS respectively for 31 days by oral gavaging. Animals were sacrificed and blood collected for various assay using standard methods. ANOVA on SPSS version 25 was used to determine variations within and between groups. Results: Increases in sodium and potassium, and decreases in chloride, calcium and bicarbonate levels were observed in the lead intoxicated group. Treatment with CPL and CPS reversed the alterations in electrolytes. Levels of RBC, PCV, Hb, MCH, MCHC and lymphocytes were lower in the lead intoxicated group relative to the lead intoxicated groups complemented with CPL and CPS, while WBC, MCV and platelet counts were higher in the lead intoxicated group when compared to the group complemented with CPL and CPS. Conclusion: This finding suggests that CPL and CPS could be protective against lead induced alterations in electrolytes and hematological parameters and could be harnessed for these potentials.