Abstract:
Crude extract of carica papaya leaf was defatted with n-hexane and
subjected to solvent-solvent partitioning by successively using solvents
of increasing polarity, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Carica papaya
extract in the various solvents were separately tested for antibacterial
activities and the n-butanolic fraction was found to be most active
against the test organism. The fraction obtained from the n-butanolic
extract of C. Papaya by subjecting it to column chromatography and
thin layer chromatography successively was analysed with GC-MS.
GC-MS analysis was done to determine the compounds or group of
compounds in the plant extract which may substantiate its use in herbal
medicine. GC-MS of carica papaya leaf extract showed eight peaks,
indicating the presence of eight compounds. Three of these compounds
were identified based on the molecular structure, molecular mass and
calculated fragments. The identified compounds are ascorbic acid 2,6-
dihexadecanoate (vitamin C), Oleic acid ethyl ester (9-octadecenoic
acid ethyl ester) and stearic acid (octadecanoic acid). Vitamin C is
known to have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptic
(reduction of pains within neurones) activities. Moreover vitamin C
has antibacterial activities and also enhances the quality of
spermatozoa. Fatty acids and their esters like stearic acid and oleic acid
ester are known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. They
interfere with bacterial growth and survival. Fatty acids and their esters
have been identified as the active ingredients in herbal medicines and
their presence in carica papaya leaf extract validates its use in
traditional medicine.
