Evaluation of the effects of intake of extract of unripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) on liver function in sickle cell patients

Abstract

Abstract: Extract of unripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) has traditionally been used as an antisickling agent by some sickle cell patients in Western Nigeria. An evaluation of the effects of intake of the extract on functions of the liver of sickle cell patients categorized into three according to their age, 2 to <6years (x 5.2), 6 to <12years (x 9.7) and, 12yreas and above (x 21.4) was carried out using standard techniques. Total and conjugated bilirubins (TB and CB) were significantly reduced (p<0.05) during intake than before intake of the extract. Total proteins (TP), albumin (Alb) and globulin (glb) were significantly increased (p<0.05) but within the reference range during intake than before intake. The valves of aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT) and cholesterol were within the reference range before and during the intake of the extract. Alkaline phosphatase (alk. Phos) was significantly increased (p<0.05) but within reference range during intake than before intake of the extract. Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT) were within the reference range before and during intake of the extract. We concluded that the extract of unripe pawpaw has no adverse effect on liver functions. Key words: Alkaline phosphatase antisickling agent bilirubin prothrombin transaminases unripe pawpaw INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease is a life-long haemolytic anaemia