Potential health benefits of papaya (Carica papaya) in modern and traditional medicine with considering its phytochemistry and nutritional components

Abstract

The plant-derived products contain different advantages over synthetic drugs, such as being readily available, being more affordable, with less adverse effects after long-term or short-term consumption. Carica papaya can be found in almost all sub-tropical and tropical regions. The aim of the study is to present and summarize knowledge about papaya in terms of its phytochemistry, nutritional value and use in traditional and modern medicine. Extensive research data from reputable sources such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were scrutinized to collate related information. The application of papaya in folk medicine is made possible by the phytochemicals present in the plant, which include steroids, tannins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, pro-anthocyanidins, cardiac glycosides, and anthraquinones. The seeds and leaves of papaya have high nutritional value, and are sometimes added to products like tea and flour to increase the nutritional value. Its seeds contain minerals that include zinc, copper, calcium, potassium, and magnesium as well as phenolic components such as carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, tocopherols, glucosinolates, and benzylisothiocyanate. In vivo and in vitro studies show that papaya has different pharmacological benefits such as antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anticancer, wound healing, antidiarrheal, anxiolytic, larvicidal, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antiobesity, anthelminthic, antithrombocytopenic, and contraceptive activities. Our study concluded that the extensive application of different parts of the papaya plant is needed in modern medicinal sciences as well as traditional medicine.