Phytochemical composition, nutritional value, and antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts from Carica papaya L. leaves

The study investigated the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and nutritional properties of methanolic extracts from the leaves of Carica papaya. The results revealed that the leaves contain carbohydrates (5.21 ? 0.26 mg/g DM), protein (16.26 ? 0.81 mg/g DM), fat (0.695 ? 0.04 mg/g DM), and a high moisture content (85.72%), along with minerals (14.99%). The yield of the methanolic extract was 6%, with significant levels of total polyphenols (70 ? 4 mg GAE/g ext) and flavonoids (8.53 ? 0.49 mg QE/g ext). HPLC analysis identified 48 phenolic compounds, including gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and naringin. Antioxidant activity, assessed via DPPH inhibition, demonstrated an IC50 of 0.069 ? 0.003 mg/mL, which is comparable to that of BHT at 0.058 ? 0.001 mg/mL. In the reducing power assay, the extract showed an EC50 of 3.58 ? 0.17 mg/mL compared to ascorbic acid at 0.016 ? 0.001 mg/mL. These findings high-light the nutritional and antioxidant potential of C. papaya leaves. This research underscores the potential of C. papaya leaves as a valuable source of nutrients and antioxidants, particularly in arid environments where traditional crops may struggle, thereby promoting the utilization of underappreciated plant parts that could enhance food security and health in resource-limited settings.