Screening of Carica papaya Seeds for Pharmacologically Bioactive and Nutritionally Beneficial Substances for Optimization of Its Nutraceutical Potential

Abstract

Papaya seeds, though rarely eaten, are used in folk medicine around the world. This study analysed the seeds to evaluate their nutritional and phytochemical content using standard methods. Proximate analysis showed the seeds are a good source of carbohydrate (48.91% ± 0.69) and protein (24.33% ± 0.74). Essential minerals such as iron (70.16 mg/kg ± 0.08), selenium (12.50 mg/kg ± 0.08), and calcium (26.96 mg/kg ± 0.08) are present in the seeds at optimal quantities. Amino acid and vitamin analysis indicated that papaya seeds are rich sources of vitamin A (117.28 ± 2.09 mg/kg), B6 (37.70 ± 1.84 mg/kg), D (27.60 ± 3.96 mg/kg), K (119.81 ± 15.88 mg/kg), and all essential amino acids. Phytochemical analysis of the seeds revealed forty-three bioactive compounds including acetic acid and pyrrole, both of which have antimicrobial properties. From the above analytical results, it was revealed that papaya seeds have nutraceutical properties and can be used, in the appropriate quantity as a food or health supplement or an adjunct animal feed.