Antioxidant potential of Carica papaya Linn (Caricaceae) leaf extract in mice with cyclophosphamide induced oxidative stress

AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the effects of crude extract of Carica papaya Leaves on oxidative stress in mice induced by cyclophosphamide, as well as phytochemical profile characterization of this extract. METHODS: The male Swiss mice received 15 days of treatment with the extract (500 mg kg(-1), via gavage) and intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (75 mg kg(-1)) or saline (0.9%) on the 15th day. After 24 h the Last treatment, the animals were anesthetized for blood withdrawal, sacrificed and removal of the organs for analyses (Liver, kidney and heart). In the biochemical tests were determined: hematological parameters in blood, aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, glucose and total cholesteroldosages in plasma, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and Lipid damage marker were evaluated in different tissues, besides genotoxic and histopathological analyzes. RESULTS: In the extract of Carica papaya Leaves, the flavonoids quercetin-3 beta-D-glucoside and rutin were identified, besides present positive results for alkaloids, saponins and tannins. This extract increased the activity of glutathione-S-transferase and catalase enzymes in the Liver and reduced the levels of reduced glutathione in the kidneys and hematocrit levels, red cell count, and hemoglobin. It promoted the decrease of the reactive species of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS) in the kidneys and the activity of enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the plasma and was anti mutagenic in the micronucleus test. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that extract of Carica papaya was beneficial against oxidative events and prevented DNA damage. The extract also showed hepatotoxicity, therefore prolonged infusion of papaya Leaves is not advisable.