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.
