Abstract

Carica papaya leaf extract is an antisickling phytomedicine reported to inhibit the polymerisation of defective hemoglobin S molecules in sickle cell individuals. In this research, the biochemical effects of ciprofloxacin, a wide spectrum antibiotic, co-administered with C. papaya leaf extract was studied. Using standard methods for biochemical, hematological and antioxidant assays, results showed that ciprofloxacin administration gave rise to increase in oxidative stress markers, which lowered considerably during co-administration with C. papayaleaf extract, whereas administration of C. papaya leaf extract alone did not produce any of such side-effects. Co-administration of both drugs was found to have no deleterious effects on body organs and erythrocytes. This suggests that the presence of C. papaya leaf extract had a palliative effect on the free radicals produced during ciprofloxacin administration.

Key words:  Carica papaya, ciprofloxacin, antisickling agents, antibiotics, antioxidants.