Fermented Carica papaya Improved Behavioural, Biochemical and Morphological Deficits in Ibuprofen Induced Duodenal Ulceration in Wistar Rats: Protective and Therapeutic effects

Abstract

Ulcers particularly duodenal ulcers have remained a nagging problem despite the availability of drugs. This implies an uncertainty about a permanent treatment as ulcers are currently being managed. This study investigated the protective and therapeutic effects of unripe and ripe fermented Carica papaya (C.papaya) juice compared to omeprazole on ibuprofen induced duodenal ulcer using adult Wistar rat model. Thirty-five adult Wistar rats were placed into seven groups (N=5). Group-A, the control was given distilled water (1ml). Group B (ibuprofen treatment only) was induced with duodenal ulcer using ibuprofen (400mg/Kg BW) Group-C and Group-D were administered fermented unripe and ripe C.papaya respectively (0.75ml extract+0.25ml distilled water) six hours after administration of the ibuprofen; the administration of the fermented extract continued for a period of 14 days. Group-E and Group-F (pre-treated fermented ripe and unripe C.papaya extract respectively) received fermented unripe and ripe C.papaya respectively at first for 12 days. Additionally, on days 12 to 14, a single daily dose of ibuprofen (400mg/kg BW) was administered to the same groups of rats. Group-G (omeprazole) were induced with duodenal ulcer [ibuprofen (400mg/kg BW)] and after six hours, omeprazole was administered to the rats; the drug was administered daily (single dose) and continued for a period of 14 days. All administration was done orally. Phytochemical screening identified alkaloids, terpenoids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides and phenols in C.papaya juice. Pre-treatment with fermented C.papaya juice showed significant antagonistic improvement in body weight, behavioural activities, antioxidant and oxidative stress markers, and histological demonstration. These findings suggest that the extracts have both ameliorative and protective effects and may prove useful in the management of duodenal ulcers.