Comparative Effects of Fucoidan and Papain on Biliary Flow Rate and Electrolytes in Wistar Rats

Papain and Fucoidan are extracted enzymes that have gained recognition across food industry, pharmaceutical and digestive applications, but their comparative effects on Biliary flow rate and electrolytes are not known. Hence, this study compared the effects of papain and fucoidan on Biliary flow rate and electrolytes. Twenty (20) male albino Wistar rats weighing between 100g and 150g were divided into 4 groups of 5 animals each as follows: Group I (Control group) were administered normal saline and had access to food and water ad libitum. Group II (Papain group) were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of the stock solution of papain and were allowed free access to food and water. Group III (Fucoidan group) was given 800mg/kg body weight of the stock solution of fucoidan plus food and water. Group IV (Metoclopramide group) was administered with 30mg/kg body weight of Metoclopramide stock solution plus food and water ad libitum. The administration lasted for a duration of 28 days. Bile was collected from the liver (hepatic duct) and was analyzed for bile flow rate and its composition. The results showed that papain significantly increased biliary sodium and chloride, reduced bicarbonate levels, and had no significant effect on bile flow rate compared to the control group. Fucoidan significant effect on Biliary sodium, chloride and bile flow rate when compared to the control group. These results conclude that the two compounds have regulatory, but not stimulatory effects on biliary secretion, which proves their hepatoprotective and stabilising effects.  Keywords: fucoidan, Papain, bile flow rate, biliary electrolyte.   Short running title: Modulation of Fucoidan and Papain on Biliary Parameter.