The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2026; 15(2):158-163 ;   DOI:10.31254/phyto.2026.15206

Research Article

Therapeutic potential of Carica papaya leaf extract and Zamzam water in a rat model of brain tumor

Prerna Singh¹ , Aijaz Abbas Rizvi² , Mehdi Hayat Shahi³ , Shagufta Moin⁴ , Waseem Rizvi¹ , Syed Shariq Naeem⁵

Prerna Singh,Aijaz Abbas Rizvi,Mehdi Hayat Shahi,Shagufta Moin,Waseem Rizvi,Syed Shariq Naeem

1. Department of Pharmacology, JN Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh-202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
2. Department of Physiology, JN Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh-202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
3. Interdisciplinary Brain Research Centre, JN Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh-202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
4. Department of Biochemistry, JN Medical College & Hospital, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Aligarh-202002, Uttar Pradesh, India
5. Department of Pharmacology, J.N. Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh-202002, Uttar pradesh, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 10th December, 2025 / Accepted: 25th April, 2026 / Published : 27th April, 2026

Abstract

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Background: Plant products are increasingly seen as promising alternatives to anticancer therapy due to their intrinsic safety and non-toxicity profiles. Objective: The main area of our research is searching for pharmacologically active compounds from a natural source. The present study aimed to screen the role of Carica papaya (C. papaya) leaf extract and Zamzam water on cadmium-induced brain tumours and oxidative stress in rat models. Material and Methods: Oxidative stress and cancer were induced by oral Cadmium for 60 days, followed by treatment with C. papaya leaf ethanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg and Zamzam water 1 mL/Kg for 30 days. At the end of the study, the animals were sacrificed, and the antioxidant activity of extracts was assayed by in vivo antioxidant tests (CAT, MDA, GSH). To assess anti-tumour activity, expression of Bmi-1 and p53 was evaluated in brain tissue. Results: Ethanolic extract of leaves of C. papaya   in the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly decreased Cadmium-induced oxidative stress. At the same time, Zamzam water reduced the stress, but it was not significant. C. papaya in high dose (400 mg/kg) and Zamzam water reduced the expression of Bmi-1 while increasing the expression of p53 in both low and high doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that C. papaya leaf extract and Zamzam water have anti-tumour potential.

Keywords

C. papaya, Zamzam Water, Anti-Cancer, Anti-Oxidant, Cadmium, Bmi-1, P53 Gene Expression

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