Bioactive constituents from Carica papaya fruit: implications for drug discovery and pharmacological applications

Abstract

Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya, is a fruit recognized for its substantial medicinal potential, primarily due to its wide range of bioactive compounds. This review thoroughly examines the pharmacological implications of these constituents and highlights their potential applications in drug discovery and therapy. Papaya is abundant in vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and alkaloids, all of which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The fruit demonstrates significant activity against diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. This review also discusses how environmental factors, including temperature, light, soil quality, and rainfall, impact the phytochemical composition of papaya, thereby influencing its medicinal properties. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of papaya-derived compounds in various health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, wound healing, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, we explore papaya's role in promoting gut health and its antimicrobial properties against bacterial and viral pathogens. In conclusion, the diverse pharmacological activities of papaya's bioactive compounds position it as a valuable candidate for further research and development in drug discovery and therapeutic applications.