Jimoh-Abdulghaffaar, Hidaayah OluwamayowaAkintoye, O. O.Ajibare, A. J.Jimoh, O. S.Owoyemi, J. O.Ananias, E. N.Ibiyeye, V. O.Aboyeji, A. M.Ojulari, L. S.2025-05-082025-05-082022-10Carica papaya, Diabetes mellitus, Peripheral neuropathy, Rat, Streptozotocinhttps://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajbr/issue/view/22521https://uilspace.unilorin.edu.ng/handle/123456789/16403Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves was investigated for its acclaimed neuroprotective activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy in rats. Twenty male, Wistar rats weighing between 120 & 170g were randomly assigned into four groups of five animals each. Rats in group 1 were normal, healthy rats that received normal saline 1.0ml/kg b. w. Those in group 2 (diabetic untreated) received normal saline 1.0ml/kg b. w., group 3 was treated with pregabalin 0.71mg/kg b. w. and group 4 received the aqueous leaf extract of Carica papaya 200mg/kg b. w. Plasma glucose concentration, thermal and mechanical allodynia, and biochemical biomarkers in the brain [malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO)]; nerve [brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF)]; and serum [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH)] were assessed. The results showed that the Carica papaya leaf-treated (group 4) rats had a significant fall in the plasma glucose level (p˂0.0001); higher pain threshold on ice cold and von Frey tests (p<0.0001); lower MDA and higher NO, BDNF, NGF, SOD and GSH levels compared to diabetic untreated (p<0.0001) and pregabalin-treated (p<0.0001) rats. Carica papaya leaf extract reduces plasma glucose, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, oxidative stress, and nerve damage in streptozocin-induced diabetic peripheral neuropathy in male Wistar rats.enArticle