THE ANTMICROBIAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACT

In recent years, the growing demand for herbal product has led to a quantum jump in volume of plant materials traded within and across the countries. In recent years, Secondary plant metabolites (Phytochemicals), previously with unknown pharmacological activities, has been extensively investigated as a source of medicinal agents (Hardcastle, 2010). Thus it is anticipated that phytochemicals with adequate antibacterial efficacy will be used for the treatment of the bacterial infections (Christie, Abodunrin, 2009). Such a fact is cause for concern, because of the number of patients in hospitals who have suppressed immunity, and due to new bacterial strains, which are multi-resistant. Consequently, new infections can occur in hospitals resulting in high mortality. Nature has been a source of medicinal agents since times immemorial. The importance of herbs in the management of human ailments cannot be over emphasized. It is clear that the plant kingdom harbors an inexhaustible source of active ingredients invaluable in the management of many intractable diseases. Furthermore, the active components of herbal remedies have the advantage of being combined with many other substances that appear to be inactive. However, these complementary components give the plant as a whole a safety and efficiency much superior to that of its isolated and pure active components (Babalola, 2023). The screening of plant extracts and plant products for antimicrobial activity has shown that higher plants represent a potential source of novel antibiotic prototypes (Kassaye, 2003). Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya, is a tropical fruit with a long history of traditional medicinal use. Beyond its nutritional value, various parts of the papaya plant, including leaves, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic properties. Among these, the antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of Carica papaya leaf extract have become subjects of extensive research due to their promising applications in the field of medicine (Pinnamaneni, 2017). Most medicaments especially African, traditional medicines are prepared often from combination of two or more plant product Carica papaya belongs to the family of Caricaceae, and several species of Caricaceae have been used as remedy against a variety of diseases (Adebiyi, Souza-Cruz, P. B. D., & Ferraz, A 2006). Papaya offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; 1 and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber (Sulaiman, 2011). Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. The fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes including papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. The fruits, leaves, seeds and stem of Carica papaya contain novel biological active compounds, which are potent as therapeutics or useful in industrial processes. Adebiyi et al. (2006) assayed that the pharmaceuticals of unripe pulp of Carica papaya reported only the presence of saponins. Reports have also shown that the active compounds present in the stem of Carica papaya were active against Malasseza species. Carapine, an alkaloid present in papaya, can be used as a heart depressant, amoebicide and diuretic. The fruit and juice are consumed for gastrointestinal ailments; a fresh leaf poultice is used to treat sores. The fresh root with sugarcane alcohol can be taken orally or as a massage to soothe rheumatism. A flower decoction is taken orally for coughs, bronchitis, and asthma and chest colds. In some countries, the seeds are used as an abortifacient and vermifuge. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the phytochemicals and antimicrobial properties of Carica papaya leaves.