AlCl3 is commonly administered to simulate neurotoxic effects and cognitive disorders that affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. This study assessed the effects of Carica Papaya leaf extract on AlCl3 induced animals to see the neurotoxic effect of AlCl3is greater than the ameliorative or antioxidative function of Carica Papaya leaf extract. 30 adult female wistar rats were split into 5 groups and housed six rats per group. Group 1

more »

... was designated as the control group by which other groups would be measured against, hence received nothing with regard to administration. Group 2 rats were administered 250g/1250mls of Carica Papaya leaf extract. Group 3 rats were administered 0.1g of AlCl3. Group 4 rats were administered 0.1g of AlCl3 first then 250g/1250mls of Carica Papaya leaf extract second. Group 5 rats were administered 250g/1250mls of Carica Papaya leaf extract first then 0.1g of AlCl3 second. The general administration time was 14 days. After administration, the cognitive parameters of the rats were then accessed through a variety of behavioural tests. The concentration of MDA and the activities of GSH, LDH and AchE in the prefrontal cortex of the mice were evaluated. There was a decrease in the brain weight of the group exposed to aluminium chloride only (group 2) as opposed to the control group. The study also showed significant increase in the AChE levels of group 2 rats which were given just AlCl3 as opposed to the control group. Group 3 rats that were given only Carica Papaya leaf extract had the highest MDA levels out of all the groups. The LDH levels for all the groups were the same except rats that were given CP whichhad more elevated levels of LDH. GSH increase in rats that were administered AlCl3 was observed. The results gotten suggest that Carica Papaya may effectively prevent neurotoxic effects induced by AlCl3 and could also be ameliorative for already existing AlCl3 conditions