ABSTRACT

This study was designed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of methanol leaf extract of Carica papaya in sodium chloride induced hypertensive rats. The parameters assessed were the pulse rate, levels of serum sodium, lactate dehydrogenase and Creatinine kinase. The 18reats were divided into five groups (1-5); group I was the normal control, fed on normal feed and water only. Group 2 received in addition to normal feed and water, IOml/kg of 16% of sodium chloride solution, without any treatment, which caused a significant elevation in the pulse rate, levels of lactate dehydrogenase and Creatinine kinase, indicators of development of high blood pressure. Group 3 rats received in addition to normal feed and water, IOml/kg of 16% of sodium chloride solution alongside lmg/kg of captopril (standard drug). Group 4 received in addition to normal feed and water, 1 Oml/kg of 16% of sodium chloride solution alongside 250mg/kg of the plant extract. Group S received in addition to normal feed and water, I Oml/kg of 16% of sodium chloride solution alongside 500mg/kg of the plant extract. After seven days of induction of hypertension with concurrent treatment; group 3 showed insignificant difference in the pulse rate, serum sodium and lactate dehydrogenase levels, compared to groups 4 and 5, and when compared with group I, there was significant elevation in the pulse rate, Creatinine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase. Group 4 and 5 showed significant decrease compared with group 2. The results of this study indicate that methanol extract of Carica papaya leaf exhibits some level of antihypertensive activity.