Unveiling the Antioxidant Potential of Carica Papaya Leaf Extract in Ovalbumin- Induced Asthma

Abstract

Objective: The main objectives of this study were to determine the antioxidant potential of Carica papaya
leaf extract (PLE) in a mouse model of bronchial asthma by measuring superoxide dismutase SOD, Catalase,
Glutathione peroxidase, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in bronchial tissues.
Materials & Methods: Male albino mice weighing 20-25g were randomly divided into three groups. Group
1 (control group) was treated with 1% phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Groups 2 and 3 were sensitized with
ovalbumin intraperitoneally (I.P) on days 0 and 14. Animals of these group were subsequently challenged
with ovalbumin intranasally from day 21 to 27. The animals of Group 3 were treated with Carica papaya leaf
extract (PLE) orally at 100mg/kg body weight on days 21-27. After sacrifice, the lung tissue of animals was
isolated and stored at -80 C for measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, malonaldehyde (MDA),
and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx).
Result: The administration of Carica papaya leaf extract resulted in a significant decrease of MDA levels in
treatment group as compared to diseased group (7.9±0.38 Vs 8.06±0.2 nmol/mg protein). Treatment with
PLE also increased activities of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (115.3±2.7 Vs 106.±3.6
u/mg protein) catalase (0.16±0.01 Vs 0.14±0.01Ku/mg protein) and Superoxide dismutase SOD (24.1±0.35
Vs 21.7±0.54 u/mg protein) in the treatment group as compared to diseased group p≤0.05.
Conclusion: Carica papaya leaf extract demonstrates promising antioxidant properties in the context of
ovalbumin-induced asthma, offering a novel avenue for natural-based therapeutics for respiratory conditions