Antidiarrheal activity and phytochemical analysis of Carica papaya fruit extract

The current study aimed to screen the phytochemical constituents and antidiarrheal activity of Carica papaya fruit against selected gut pathogens. Powdered plant materials of raw and ripe fruit were extracted with diverse solvents such as petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, acetone, ethanol and aqueous using Soxhlet apparatus. Phytochemical analysis of Carica papaya showed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, proteins and amino acids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds and phytosterols. The MIC of the extracts was determined using sterile 96-well microtitre plate method. The plant extracts exhibited inhibition activity against entire tested gut pathogens. Among all the extract of raw and ripe fruit, acetone extract of ripe fruit (0.39mg/ml) and the chloroform extract of raw fruit (25.0mg/ml) showed good activity against the pathogens. The MIC and MBC values ranged between 100-0.39mg/ml. This study paves the way for the use of this common fruit extract in pharmaceuticals for their possible application in gastrointestinal disorders. Among the members of gut pathogens, the antidiarrheal activity of ripe Carica papaya extract was significantly seen in Plesiomonas shigelloides which ranged from 50mg/mL- 0.39mg/mL.