Weight changes and growth performance in Sprague Dawley rats fed diet containing graded doses of <i>Carica Papaya</i> seeds

Abstract

Carica papaya is not left out among plants reported to be of herbal and therapeutic importance. Hence, this study investigates the effect of ingestion of Carica papaya seeds on weight gain and growth in growing Sprague Dawley rats. The study involves 40 growing rats (95.0 ± 10.0 grams) within the ages of 7 ± 1weeks. They were divided into four groups of two stages; A (control; n = 5), B (n = 10), C (n = 10) and D (n = 10). The rats were fed varying doses of powdered Carica papaya seed (6, 8, 10grams). Animal weights were measured before and after acclimatization (2 weeks); after three weeks (acute; Stage 1); and 6 weeks (chronic; Stage 2). The data obtained were compared using the ANOVA at P ≤ 0.05 level of significance. At all stages of weight determinations, Group A, B, C and D presented body weight gain from the preceding weight. Comparatively, those of Group B, C and D were lower during the pre-treatment periods (3 weeks and 6 weeks) and presented the most retarded growth impact in a dose depended fashion. The observations suggest Carica papaya seeds may have weight reduction potentials and may induce growth retardation.

Key words: Weight, growth, Carica papaya seed, Herb.