• 2026-06-17
• Ogunbameru, F. E, Omogunwa T.S, Makinde A.P, Karigidi K.O, Fapetu A. P., Akintimehin E.S, Adetuyi F.O
• Volume 8, Issue 1

Abstract

Carica papaya (C. papaya) leaves are renowned for their therapeutic benefits, particularly in the management of diabetes and oxidative stress-related disorders in traditional medicine. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant and antidiabetic effects of the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of the methanol extract of C. papaya leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The in vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic potential of the fractions were evaluated. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in rats via intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (STZ) (50 mg/kg). The animals were divided into seven groups, including control and diabetic rats, and treated with various doses of the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions. Parameters such as fasting blood glucose levels, body weight, lipid profiles, kidney and liver function markers and oxidative stress markers were assessed. Treatment with the methanol fraction (200 mg/kg) and the ethyl acetate fraction (100 mg/kg) led to significant reductions in blood glucose levels, increases in body weight, and improvements in lipid profiles when compared to the diabetic control group. Additionally, both treatments resulted in significant (p<0.05) improvements in kidney and liver function markers, along with enhanced antioxidant activity in the liver, kidney, and pancreas. These improvements were evidenced by decreases in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide and increases in glutathione level and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. This study suggested that methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of C. papaya leaf methanol extract exhibit significant antidiabetic and antioxidant properties and warrants further exploration as a natural alternative for diabetes management.

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