Phytochemical and biological investigation of Carica papaya Linn. Leaves cultivated in Egypt (Family Caricaceae)

Abstract

Carica papaya Linn. is well known for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. Growing, successfully in Egypt environment, we analyzed content of essential minerals, aqueous ethanol extract of leaves for lipoid constituents and main alkaloidal component, examination of in-vivo potential as antioxidant and hepatoprotective, anticancer and antimicrobial activity. Leaves and fruits are good source of micro and macro essential minerals. Squalene, 2-hexadecen-1-ol, β- sitosterol, campesterol and palmitic acid were the major identified lipoid constituents. Carpaine, alkaloid was isolated and identified by different spectroscopic means. 80% Ethanol extract of leaves retained reduced glutathione which were highly compatible to those receiving vitamin E, it retained liver serum levels to which were compatible to the results of those receiving silymarin and demonstrated improvement in deleterious effect induced by CCl4. The extract had moderate effect, while carpaine showed high activity against ovary carcinoma. It had moderate antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli. This plant has highly economic importance.