Ibuprofen-induced Gastric Ulcer in Wistar rats: Evaluating the Impact of Fermented Ripe and Unripe Carica papaya compared to Omeprazole

Gastric ulcers are common menace of the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) disorders. Despite the high healing rate of several synthetic drugs, their therapy does not provide a comprehensive protective/curative impact against this GIT disorder. We compared the effects of fermented ripe and unripe Carica papaya (C.papaya) extracts and omeprazole on ibuprofen-induced gastric ulcer in Wistar rat models. Phytochemical assessment was done on fermented extract, followed by a pilot study to determine the exact dose and effect on the rats. Adult Wistar rats (n=35) employed in this present study, were randomly assigned into 7 groups (G1-G7, n=5) and treated orally as follows: G1-Control; G2-Ibuprofen; G3-Ibuprofen+fermented unripe C.papaya; G4-Ibuprofen+fermented ripe C.papaya; G5-Fermented ripe C.papaya+Ibuprofen; G6-Fermented unripe C.papaya+Ibuprofen; G7-Ibuprofen+omeprazole. Phytochemical analysis revealed that C. papaya extracts contain terpenoids, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, and phenols of which fermented unripe C. papaya contains higher quantities compared to fermented ripe. Ibuprofen treatment significantly induced weight loss, increased ulcer index, total gastric acidity and lead to a non-significant reduction in stomach weight, % of ulcer inhibition and stomach pH. It significantly reduced SOD, CATALASE and increased MDA levels of expression. Histoarchitecture revealed erosion in the epithelial lining in the mucosae, resulting from mucosa cell necrosis and congestion. However, there were substantial ameliorative improvements in the evaluated parameters, following fermented unripe C.papaya and fermented ripe C.papaya therapy in all groups. In conclusion, fermented ripe and unripe C. papaya may have both an ameliorative and protective effect on ibuprofen induced gastric ulcers as compared to omeprazole.