Effect of Heparin and Carica Papaya Leaf Extract on Blood Glucose Levels in Wistar Rats: A Pilot Study

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder identified by raised blood glucose levels due to suppressed insulin production. Heparin, a familiar anticoagulant, has been shown to hinder the insulin channeling and increase blood glucose levels. Carica papaya Leaf Extract (CPLE) is attracting attention as a potential natural therapeutic agent for managing high blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. This study investigates the effects of CPLE and Heparin on body weight, diet consumption, and blood glucose levels in experimental Wistar rats. This preliminary pilot study was conducted for 1 month, from November 2023 to December 2023, at the Animal House Facility of the Department of Physiology at the University of Karachi. A total of 20 male Wistar rats were taken and randomly divided into four groups (n=5). Control, Heparin-induced, CPLEinduced, and a combination Heparin and CPLE-induced group. Heparin was administered intravenously at 0.1 ml/100 g body weight, whereas CPLE was administered orally at 2000 mg/kg body weight. Diet intake and body weight were observed during the trial. Blood glucose levels were estimated at the end of the study. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the medians across groups. P-value <0.05 was considered significant. The study found a notable decline in dietary intake (p<0.001) and body weight (p<0.001) in all treatment groups. Blood glucose levels were elevated in all treatment groups except the CPLE-treated group, where they decreased from baseline (p<0.001). In conclusion, CPLE and Heparin may affect blood glucose levels in Wistar rats. CPLE may lower blood glucose levels, while Heparin raises them.