The In Vivo antiulcer activities of the combined effect of unripe Musa paradisica peel and Carica papaya leaf extract

Abstract

The study evaluated the antiulcer potential of the combined extracts of Musa paradisiaca peel and Carica papaya leaf in male Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats (110–160 g) were fasted for 18 hours and divided into six groups (n = 4) based on body weight. Groups A–F received distilled water (2.0 ml/kg), cimetidine (50.0 mg/kg), Musa paradisiaca extract (400.0 mg/kg), Carica papaya extract (400.0 mg/kg), and the combined extracts (400.0 mg/kg), respectively. Distilled water and cimetidine served as negative and positive controls. After one hour, all groups except group A received indomethacin (60.0 mg/kg, orally) to induce gastric ulceration. Eight hours later, the animals were sacrificed, and their stomachs were examined for ulcer index, gastric volume, pH, total and free acidity, Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase activity, and pepsin activity. These parameters provided a comprehensive assessment of gastroprotective efficacy. The extracts significantly mitigated indomethacin-induced ulceration by reducing ulcer index and gastric acidity, enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity, and suppressing inflammatory responses. Notably, the combined extract exhibited superior and synergistic gastroprotective effects compared to the individual extracts.