The Effects of Carica papaya Linn. Latex on the Healing of Burn Wounds in Rats

Authors

  • Ahmad Nazrun Shuid Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Ahmad Asmadi Yusof Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Mohd Syukri Anwar Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Keywords:

Carica papaya Linn., papaya latex, rats, burn wound, silver sulfadiazine

Abstract

This study was carried out to compare the rate of burn wound healing with the applications of the latex of Carica papaya Linn. (papaya) or of silver sulfadiazine cream (SSD). Partial and full thickness burn wound (2 cm x 2 cm) was induced on the dorsal part of anaesthetized rats by using heated metal plates. The rats were divided into three groups, i.e. untreated group and groups treated daily with SSD and papaya latex, respectively. A digital camera was used to take photographs of the burn wounds daily to monitor their healing. It was found that there was no significant difference in the healing time of papaya latex treated group compared to the SSD treated group. Papaya latex contained digestive enzymes which might clean burn wounds but might also cause wound bleeding in a few rats of the papaya latex group.

Author Biographies

Ahmad Nazrun Shuid, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Pharmacology DepartmentFaculty Medicine

Ahmad Asmadi Yusof, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Pharmacology DepartmentFaculty Medicine

Mohd Syukri Anwar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Biomedical Science DepartmentFaculty of Allied Health Sciences

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Published

2005-12-31

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Section

Articles