INVITRO SCREENING OF CARICA PAPAYA FOR ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. Herbal medicines like Carica papaya are being explored for their antidiabetic potential. Objective: This study evaluates the antidiabetic activity of Carica papaya leaf extract through phytochemical screening and enzyme inhibition assays. Methods: Ethanolic extracts of Carica papaya leaves were obtained via Soxhlet extraction. Phytochemical screening identified bioactive compounds. The α-amylase inhibitory potential was analyzed using spectrophotometry at 540 nm. Results: The extract contained flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics, which exhibited α-amylase inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition was 21.30% at 10 µg/mL and 69.44% at 60 µg/mL, showing a promising trend comparable to the standard drug, acarbose. Conclusion: The study suggests that Carica papaya leaf extract has potential antidiabetic activity. Further in vivo and clinical studies are required to validate its therapeutic efficacy.