Extraction and Evaluation of the Extract Blend of Carica papaya and Annona muricata as Antiulcerogenic and Gastroprotective Agent

Abstract

The study examines the extraction and evaluation of phytochemicals derived from Annona muricata and Carica papaya leaves as potential candidates for treatment of peptic ulcers. This study aims to address the limitations associated with modern medicines particularly in treating ulcers with a complex pathology, highlighting the need for alternative medication from an alternative system of medicine. Most of these drugs produce several adverse reactions including toxicities which may even alter biochemical mechanisms of the body upon chronic usage and cause severe potential gastrointestinal adverse effect and other non-gastrointestinal tract side effect. By extracting these chemicals from natural sources, the creation of a safer and more reliable solution to modern medicine is greatly enhanced. Fresh leaves of Annona muricata and Carica papaya leaves were plucked. The extract was obtained using cold maceration and ethanolic extraction method and pure crude extract was gotten by evaporation and condensation of the macerated filtrate using the Rota Evaporator (BUCHI) apparatus. The extracts had sweet honey like scent for Amnona muricata and a characteristic herbaceous scent for Carica papaya extract. The evaluation of the blend’s potential and efficacy was determined by Histopathological study after administration and it was observed that the extract blend possessed significant antiulcer activity with increasing efficacy as the dosage was increased. Finally, the extracts were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and the functional groups of each extract were observed. The results showed that both extracts contained phytochemicals that make them suitable as anti-ulcerogenic extracts. Treatment with aqueous extract caused significant decrease in gastric acidity and increase in mucus production, thereby exhibiting gastroprotective effects. Treatment with extracts did not show any sign of toxicity.