EFFECT OF PAPAYA LEAF JUICE ON HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF RATS

08-HJPV2-2021 Original Article

Abstract

Papaya leaf juice has been traditionally used for symptomatic relief of dengue fever. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of Papaya leaf juice. Wistar rats of either sex were used and treated for seven days with 0.25ml/kg (dose equivalent to traditionalhuman usage) with freshly prepared Papaya juice followed by the measurement of liver function test and total blood count. The result of our study showed significant increase (p<0.005 and p<0.01respectively) in the level of platelet count and total bilirubin levels when compared with the controlgroup. Whereas, significant decrease in the level of RBC count were also observed in the treated group of animals. It is concluded from the results that at traditional doses Papaya leaf extract significantly increase the platelet count in rats. However, its use in anemic patient should be monitored and regulated by the health care professionals to avoid any major problem in the patients.