The extracts of Carica papaya (Linn.): Phytochemical studies, anti-infective, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties against cervical carcinoma

• Published in: South African journal of botany 2025-02, Vol.177, p.604-616
• Main Authors: Thanigaimalai, Murugan, Nainangu, Prasannabalaji, Panda, Siva Prasad, Shaik, Mohammed Rafi, Hussain, Shaik Althaf, Antonyraj, Anahas Perianaika Matharasi, Guru, Ajay
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-infective agent; Antioxidant; Carica papaya Linn; Carpaine; Cervical cancer; Phytochemicals
• ISSN: 0254-6299
• DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2024.11.009

•C. papaya leaf extract shows cytotoxic potential and novel therapeutic effects against Hela cells.•C. papaya seed extract exhibited the highest anti-helminthic activity against Pheretima posthuma.•C. papaya extract showed the highest antimicrobial and antioxidant efficacy.•LC-MS analysis was utilized to identify the major alkaloid compound carpaine. The carpaine, a phytochemical constituent of Carica papaya Linn. (CP) has been the source of much interest due to its potential medicinal uses. The goal of this research is to explore papaya extractʼs antioxidant capacities, anti-infective efficacy, and effectiveness towards cervical cancer cells. Various solvents were employed to extract carpaine from the stems, leaves, and seeds of CP. Alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids were among the key components that have been determined by phytochemical studies. To determine the extracts' antioxidant ability, the phosphomolybdenum test was performed. Microbiological cultures and HeLa cell lines were used to assess anti-cancer and anti-infective effects in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Phytochemical analysis showed that the whole plant part was rich in phytochemicals. The levels of oxidative stress were measured at 111.5 ± 0.557 µg/mg by DPPH tests, which are used to determine carpaineʼs antioxidant capabilities. Several pathogenic bacteria and fungi were shown to have strong antimicrobial properties by in vitro investigations. In vivo tests were also conducted to evaluate carpaine's anti-helminthic effects using the parasite model Pheretima posthuma. Both the paralysis rate (F(3,132)  = 862.2, p < 0.0001) and the death duration (F(2, 132)  = 1058, p < 0.0001) were significantly reduced by the papaya leaf extract (PLE). Additionally, the extracts exhibited significant cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, attaining 84.12 ± 0.210 % at 100 µg/ml. These findings highlight the importance of advanced research to explicate the underlying mechanisms of carpaine action and its potential translation into clinical applications for the treatment of cervical cancer, helminth infections, and oxidative stress-related disorders.