Faiza Naz, Salvia Sajid, Lu Yueda, Zhao Yang*, Suad Naheed*
Naz et al. J Clin Transl Res 2022; 8(5):12
Published online: September 28, 2022
Abstract
Background and aim: The brain is one of the most complex and crucial organs of our body. Its health is a matter of concern for all individuals as the number of aged people is increasing gradually in the world. Carica papaya is a ubiquitous plant, and its different parts possess neuroprotective effects against various neurodegenerative diseases. However, its brain anti-aging effects have remained uninvestigated. Therefore, this study has examined the brain anti-aging strength of C. papaya pulp and seeds extracts in D-galactose induced aging rats.
Methods: The rats were intraperitoneally injected with 150 mg/kg of D-galactose for eight consecutive weeks to induce brain aging. In parallel, the rats of papaya pulp and papaya seed treated groups were injected with 150 mg/kg papaya pulp extract and 150 mg/kg papaya seed extract, respectively. The negative control group was only injected with 0.9% saline, whereas in the rats of the positive control group along with D-galactose 100 mg/kg VC was injected. After the treatment period, different neurobehavioural, neurochemical, and antioxidant analyses were performed to unmask the anti-aging strength of C. papaya pulp and seeds extracts.
Results: C. papaya pulp and seed extracts significantly improved cognitive learning skills, memory, and muscular strength in aging rats while reducing stress and anxiety levels. Moreover, they enhanced neurotransmitters concentration, and reduced oxidative stress. However, the anti-aging effects of C. papaya pulp were more significant than seeds.
Conclusion: These results suggest that both C. papaya pulp and seed extracts possess neuroprotective effects against brain aging or age-related brain deteriorations but the age-protecting capability of C. papaya pulp is higher than C. papaya seeds. Therefore, it could be utilized as a component to design a novel brain anti-aging drug.
Relevance for patients: Brain aging is a natural process that every individual experiences in his life. The regular consumption of C. papaya can improve the quality of life by protecting neurons from age-related deteriorations.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.18053/jctres.08.202205.012
Author affiliation
*Correspondence author
Zhao Yang
College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
College of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar 843300, Xinjiang, China
Email: yangzhao@mail.buct.edu.cn
Suad Naheed,
Department of Biotechnology, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi 74600, Pakistan
Email: dr.suadnaheed@juw.edu.pk
Handling editor:
Michal Heger
Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht University, the Netherlands
Department of Pharmaceutics, Jiaxing University Medical College, Zhejiang, China
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