This study was conducted as a pilot investigation on the protective influence of Carica papaya L. aqueous leaf extract (PLE) against experimental hyperuricemia and acute renal injury in an animal model. The effects of oral pre-treatment with PLE on BUA (blood uric acid) levels and renal histopathology of potassium bromate (KBrO3)-treated adult male albino mice were assessed. Sixty mice were randomized to six groups (n = 10): sham (sterile water) and KBrO3 controls; three experimental groups: PLE1, PLE2 and PLE3 (1, 2 and 3 g/kg body weight [BW] + KBrO3); and ascorbic acid (ascorbic acid 200 mg/kg BW + KBrO3) comparator. Oral pre-treatment with PLE was given for 14 d via gastric gavage. On day 14, except on the sham control, hyperuricemia was induced by oral administration of a single dose of KBrO3 200 mg/kg body weight. BUA levels were measured pre- and post-KBrO3 induction (at 333 h and 336 h, respectively). The kidneys were then immediately excised under anesthesia. Histopathologic evaluation of the kidneys was done using a standard numerical grading scheme. Results showed a significant increase in BUA levels in the KBrO3 control (p < 0.001). In the PLE groups, BUA levels were not significantly increased (p > 0.05). Histologically, there was significant attenuation of acute renal tissue damage in the PLE groups. However, the BUA and histopathologic responses of the PLE groups were not dose-dependent (p = 0.80 and p = 0.66, respectively). These preliminary findings suggest that PLE may have antihyperuricemic and nephroprotective effects in this murine model of hyperuricemia and acute renal tissue injury.

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