Effects of Carica papaya seed extracts on the physiology of the vas deferens of albino rats.

The physiology of vas deferens after administrating papaya seed extract (1 mg/0.2 ml/day/rat) for 7 and 15 days was studied with reference to organ weights, fertility rate, some biochemical parameters and contractile pattern of isolated right and left vas deferens. Studies on combined extract + ascorbic acid feeding and discontinuation of treatment for 1 and 2 1/2 months were also carried out. The results revealed that the treatment altered the biochemical parameters except cholesterol levels and the contractile pattern was reduced in comparison to control. However, significant recovery occurred by withdrawal of treatment in all parameters studied. AA feeding was efficaceous in restoring the androgenicity of vas deferens under treated conditions. On the whole, the distal vas deferens was affected more by the seed extract treatment than proximal vas and recovery was slower probably due to its higher threshold requirement for androgen. The results are discussed in the light of recent work.