Anti-fertility effects of fractions from Carica papaya (Pawpaw) Linn. methanol root extract in male Wistar rats

Abstract

The methanol root extracts of Carica papaya (Pawpaw) are used in eastern Nigeria for the treatment of malaria, hepatitis and jaundice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the fractions isolated from C. papaya methanol root extract on fertility in male Wistar rats using sperm counts, percentage defective sperm cells (morphology), biochemical and hormonal assays as biomarkers. The roots of C. papaya were extracted using 80% methanol for 72 h. Oral acute toxicity study was done with the crude extract for 24 h. The extract was fractionated by column chromatography using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol. The petroleum ether fraction was further fractionated on preparative TLC using ethyl acetate-methanol solvent systems to isolate CPFE 1, CPFE 2 and CPFM 1. The 3 fractions (75 mg/kg) were used to treat male Wistar rats orally for 60 days. Animals were euthanized and testes collected, homogenized and used for sperm count and motility. Plasma and serum were used to assay biochemical parameters including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bilirubin (TB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), triglycerides, hormones (LH and FSH). Histopathological study of the testes, kidney, heart and liver were conducted. Acute toxicity result showed that C. papaya root extract produced no mortalities at the dose of 2000 mg/kg but induced CNS-related symptoms as well as diuresis. The fractions significantly (P < 0.01) produced decreases in sperm counts and increased the percentage of defective sperm cells. There were significant (P < 0.05) increases in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Histopathological studies showed mild kidney and cardiac hyperaemia, slight

Medicinal Uses of Carica Papaya

“… Also acts as abortifacient, diuretic, antifungal activity, also checks irregular bleeding from uterus, piles.  The roots are used in traditional medicine for treatment of diseases as it could be a good source of drug for birth control in males [46].  The treatment of gastroenteritis, urethritis, otitis media, typhoid fever and wound infections [47].…”

Analysis of papaya plant sample for antispermatogenic properties

“…Saponin is an additional occurrence of phytochemicals that likewise delimited in papaya seeds extricate. Saponins, predominantly steroids and triterpenoids, allegedly likewise supply outcomes for the nerve centre pituitary-testis pivot in studies facility vertebrates that conceivably result in decline spermatocyte and spermatid tallies [4]. It appears that tested that papaya seeds separate affect the size and epithelial chunkiness of seminiferous tubule of the testis.…”

Effect of pawpaw seed meal using various inclusion level on the gonad structure of Oreochromis Niloticus (gift)

“…prunasin a small quantity of sambunigrin which is the major cyanogenic glycoside in Carica papaya whereas Wickersham and Novak [24] stated that there is a substance named carpine which is toxic in nature which exist in pawpaw black seeds in trace amount. According to Nwaehujor, et al [25], carpine has been discovered to lead to paralysis in large amounts, and also reduce pulse speed and weaken the nervous system. Moreover, Oyekunle and Omope [26] specifi ed that the precise device through which the elements lessen sperm count is unidentifi ed, nevertheless suggestions was made that the multiple papain might cross the barrier of the blood testes to apply dangerous impacts on seminiferous tubules control of the testes.…”