Abstract

Ocimum gratissimum is commonly known as basil, basil-clove, or alfavaca, and is used as a condiment in human food as well as for its therapeutic properties. However, Carica papaya also known as pawpaw, is a succulent fruit of a large plant of the family Caricaceae, serves as food and its seed is used traditionally in the treatment of various illness.  The purpose of this study is to see how aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum and Carica papaya affect CCl₄ induced toxicity in Albino Wistar male rats. Pathology induced by CCl₄ in group 2 rats caused significant (p< 0.05) increase in the level of liver enzyme markers: alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) to group 1, reflecting liver damage, while rats in group 3 and 4 showed significant (p< 0.05) increase.  Furthermore, when compared to the control group, there was a significant reduction (p> 0.05) in normal sperm cell parameters, enhancing the production of abnormal sperm cells and causing decreased sperm mortality. Additionally, there was significant (p> 0.05) the male hormonal profile in the CCl₄ only group as compared to the treatment groups. Finally, the histopathology study revealed parallel radially aligned hepatocytes, a congested kidney with blood vessels, and tubules lined by spermatogenic cells in the CCl₄ group. The findings of this study show that both Ocimum gratissimum leaves and Carica papaya seed aqueous extract were able to reduce toxicity in the liver, kidney, and testis.