Effect of ether- and water-soluble fractions of Carica papaya ethanol extract in experimentally induced hyperlipidemia in rats.

CONTEXT: The papaya is the fruit of the plant Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) used in India. Fruit and latex are both rich in an enzyme called papain. It is used as a folk remedy for contraception and abortion.

OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the anti-hyperlipidemic effect of the ether- and water-soluble fractions of C. papaya ethanol extract in olive oil-induced hyperlipidemic rats. The study also involved chromatographic studies of extract and fractions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flash chromatography was done for the most active fraction. The extract and fractions were administered orally at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in rats. Olive oil (5 mL/kg oral dose) was administered 30 min after treatment. Blood was collected and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for 15-20 min and subjected to biochemical analysis.

RESULT: The study dose-dependently inhibited the total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoproteins (LDL) level, and significantly increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of fats in the ether fraction, whereas the water fraction revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, glycosides. UV λ(max) was found to be 217 nm with a melting point of 41°C for the isolated component.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The anti-hyperlipidemic effect was evaluated in olive oil-loaded rats. Acute treatment caused stimulatory effect on HDL level and inhibition in TC and TG elevation induced by olive oil. The extract and water fraction showed protective action by increasing the HDL cholesterol level.