Differential Hematopoietic Activities of Carica papaya Plant Parts: A Comparative Analysis of Erythropoietic, Leucopoietic, and Thrombopoietic Effects in Rabbits
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Carica papaya Linn. (Caricaceae) or commonly known as pawpaw and papaya, is extensively cultivated in tropical regions due to its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Recently, however, research into papaya leaves for its hematological effects as a thrombopoietic agent for infection-induced thrombocytopenia have gained traction. The use of papaya has been documented extensively in blood-related disorders. However, there is no comprehensive study available which evaluates the differential hematopoietic effects of its ripe fruit, seeds, unripe fruit, and leaves during prolong treatment periods. The current study addresses this critical literature gap by evaluating the hematological impact of these four distinct aerial parts. Healthy albino rabbits of both sexes were administered with aqueous preparations of four C. papaya parts over a two- month period in a controlled experimental study. Hematological assessments were performed during blood sample collection, analysis on day 11 during the acute phase and on day 61 of the subchronic phase to evaluate the erythropoietic, leucopoietic, and thrombopoietic effects was carried out. Complete Blood Count (CBC) parameters were analyzed to determine changes in Red Blood Cells (RBCs), White Blood Cells (WBCs), and platelet populations. Significant hematopoietic activity was observed across different C. papaya preparations. Unripe fruit and leaf extracts demonstrated notable broad-spectrum hematopoietic effects, enhancing multiple blood cell lineages. In contrast, ripe fruit and seed preparations exhibited selective activity, showing potent erythropoietic and thrombopoietic properties while demonstrating minimal leucopoietic potential. The differential effects were evident in both acute and subchronic treatment phases, suggesting time-dependent and part-specific bioactive mechanisms. Overall, these findings show the promising potential of C. papaya as a natural therapeutic application for anemic and thrombocytopenic conditions. Although the differential hematological effects observed across various plant parts may suggest distinct bioactive profiles which warrant future investigation. Furthermore, phytochemical characterization studies are needed to identify the active compounds responsible for the observed hematopoietic effects.
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