Title: Medicinal Applications Of Carica Papaya Linn.: A Comprehensive Review Of Its Different Parts
Authors: Ahmed Attahiru
Volume: 9
Issue: 8
Pages: 183-188
Publication Date: 2025/08/28
Abstract:
Carica papaya Linn., commonly known as papaya, is a tropical fruit tree of immense nutritional, economic, and medicinal significance. Every part of the plant including the leaves, fruits, seeds, roots, bark, and latex is used traditionally across the tropics for managing a wide range of ailments. From ancient ethnomedicine to modern pharmacology, papaya has been recognized for its therapeutic potential, driven by a diverse repertoire of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, isothiocyanates, carotenoids, and proteolytic enzymes. This review provides a detailed and critical examination of papaya, integrating ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and emerging therapeutic applications. Ethnobotanical surveys reveal papaya's relevance in treating malaria, dengue fever, gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, inflammation, microbial infections, and reproductive challenges. Phytochemical analyses highlight key bioactive molecules including papain, chymopapain, carpaine, quercetin, benzyl isothiocyanate, and lycopene. Pharmacological studies support its roles in antidiabetic, anticancer, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities. Comparative discussion emphasizes the uniqueness of papaya as both a functional food and a medicinal plant, underscoring its potential in polyherbal formulations and integrative medicine. Current challenges include variability in phytochemical content, poor bioavailability of certain compounds, and limited large-scale clinical validation. Future directions include nanotechnology-based formulations, standardized extract development, and clinical trial designs to establish evidence based applications. This review consolidates current knowledge and identifies opportunities for translating papaya's traditional significance into modern therapeutic innovations.