Nutritional Evaluation of Carica papaya Leaves: Analysis of Mineral and Vitamin Composition
Ezeigwe, O. C. *
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Okochi, C. V.
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Achara, N. I.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Tansian University Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Ebugosi, R. S.
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, Tansian University Umunya, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Okpala, C. O.
Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biosciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Carica papaya leaves, commonly known as paw-paw leaves, constitute a known folklore in traditional medicine, with varying nutritional and therapeutic values. This research was conducted to identify the mineral and vitamin constituents of the leaf, providing scientific validation for its nutritional value. Determination of vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E was done using spectrophotometric methods, while atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to determine the mineral content. The results indicated the high contents of Vitamin C (69.837 ± 0.00)mg/100g, Vitamin A (15.035 ± 0.00) mg/100g, and Vitamin D (8.035 ± 0.00) mg/100g, and moderate amounts of Vitamin E (3.843 ± 0.00) mg/100g and B12 (2.040 ± 0.00) mg/100g. The mineral content includes Calcium (8.783 ± 0.00) mg/100g, Sodium (6.894 ± 0.00) mg/100g, and Potassium (5.278 ± 0.00) mg/100g, which were also detected in substantial amounts. These findings show that papaya leaves could be a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals; hence, they can be used as dietary supplements to eradicate nutritional deficiencies, boost the immune system, and promote general health and well-being.
Keywords: Carica papaya, leaves, vitamin content, mineral content, nutritional benefits