PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAVES FOR HERBAL STANDARDIZATION

Carica papaya L. (papaya), commonly known as Erandakarkati, is widely used in traditional medicine due to its diverse therapeutic potential. The present study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition and physicochemical parameters of Carica papaya leaves to establish a scientific basis for their medicinal use and standardization. Qualitative phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, glycosides, phenolics, and terpenoids, which contribute to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Physicochemical parameters such as moisture content, ash values, extractive values, pH, and loss on drying were analysed. The study provides baseline data for quality control and standardization of papaya leaves, supporting their ethnomedicinal applications and future pharmacological research.