Carica papaya - A medicinal plant of great importance: A short review

Abstract

Carica papaya belongs to caricaceae family and it is commonly known as papaya. Carica papaya L. is a popular and important fruit tree in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. The fruit is healthy and delicious and the whole plant parts including fruit, root, bark, peel, seeds and pulp are also known to have medicinal properties. The many benefits of papaya are owed due to high content of vitamin A, B and C, proteolytic enzymes like papain and chymopapain which have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Carica papaya is usedin ayurvedic medicines from very long time. It is used as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, antibacterial, abortifacient, vermifuge, hypoglycemic, antifungal activity, antihelmenthic and immunomodulatory etc. Scientific evidences suggest their versatile biological function that supports its traditional use in different diseases. Phytochemical studies shows that plant Carica papaya contains mainly alkaloids carpaine, pseudocarpaine, tannins, flavnoids, carcin, gamma terpine, glycoside carposides, sugars.