Carica papaya

To evaluate the Antihyperlipedimic activity of ethanol root extract of Carica papaya in wistar rat .The pulverized plant materials were taken up for extraction using hydro alcohol in the proportion of 5:95. The extraction was carried out by continuous cold percolation method Antihyperlipedimic activity was carried out using poloxamer 407 induced hyperlipidemia in wistar rat at the dose level of 100 mg/kg p.o and 200 mg/kg p.o. Oral administration of ethanol   root extract of carica papaya (ERCP) significantly reduced the level of  TC, TG, LDL and VLDL, while increasing (p< 0.001) HDL – C levels compared to control and standard drug Atorvastatin 10mg/kg.. Significant lowering of TC and an increase in HDL are very desirable biochemical state for the prevention of atherosclerosis and ischemic condition. The results of this study suggested that (ERCP) possessed potent anti-hyperlipidemic activity in poloxamer-407 induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar rats, as was evident from the reduced levels of TC, TG, LDL and VLDL.

The acceptance of remedies in any system of medicine depends upon their efficacy and non-toxicity. There were many reports of rejecting Indian herbal products in various countries because of higher levels of heavy metal content than permitted. Though few are regarded as essential, some heavy metals, especially cadmium, mercury and lead, are potentially hazardous due to their intrinsic or selective toxicity, particularly in environmental contexts. In view of the importance of herbal drug standardization, it was contemplated to carry out the heavy metal determination in papaya fruits(Carica papaya), grapes (Vitisvinifera) and Beta vulgaris (beet root) which were procured from local market. The metals like copper, iron, magnesium nickel, sodium, potassium, lead, chromium, zinc etc were estimated  in the hydroalcoholic extracts by using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy(AAS). Measurements were made using a hollow Electron Discharge Lamp (EDL).  These extracts were also subjected to general phytochemical screening. Its an alarming bell for humankind if the heavy metal content is more than permitted in common edible commodities. Further study may require understanding the factors influencing the heavy metal content in commonly used fruits and vegetables. Key words: Carica papaya, Vitisvinifera , Beta vulgaris, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, hollow Electron Discharge Lamp

Carica papaya, a member of the family Caricaceae, is commonly known for its food and nutritional value throughout the world. During last few decades considerable progress has been achieved regarding the biological activity and medicinal application of papaya and now it is considered as valuable neutraceutical fruit plant. The present study was designed to determine the antimutagenic and anticytotoxic activities of different fractions (Aqueous, Chloroform, Ethanol and Ethyl acetate extracts) of Carica papaya leaves. Antimutagenic activity was determined by the Allium cepa root chromosomal assay using Cyclophosphamide monohydrate as the mutagenic agent and anticytotoxic activity of the extracts was evaluated by determination of mitotic index. All the four fractions displayed significant antimutagenic and anticytotoxic activities against cyclophosphamide-induced chromosomal aberrations and alltogether, the results of our study lend pharmacological credence to the anti-cancerous and ethnomedical use of this plant in traditional system of medicine and these results could be used to develop antimutagenic compounds for cancer therapy.

Carica papaya Linn., (Family: Cariaceae) is a very well known plant which is found in various parts of India. The main aim of this study is to assay the wound healing activity of ethanolic extract of C. papaya leaf by using healthy rats of both sex and almost same age. Three types of models namely excision wound, incision wound and burn wounds which was created on dorsal part of saved rats using a metal rod heated to 80-850 C and exposed for 20 seconds. The effects of ethanolic extract of C. papaya leaf on wound healing were observed by the rate of wound closure, period of epithelialisation and finally wound breaking strength. Povidone iodine ointment (5% w/w) is used as reference for excision and incision wounds models. During this study, it is observed that animals treated with C. papaya ethanolic extract, shows wound healing at a faster rate by comparing with animals treated with povidone iodine ointment. Similarly in burn wound healing study Silver-sulfadiazine used as reference drug for activity comparison and the efficacy of treatment was evaluated based on reduction of burn wound area. The ethanolic extract treated animals showed significant reduction in the burn wound area when compared with control groups. The result of the present study offers pharmacological evidence on the folklore use of C. papaya leaves for healing wounds including burns.