Papaya

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical plant mainly produced by Brazil, Mexico, and Nigeria. The papaya fruit, stems, roots, seeds, and leaves have been related with different medicinal uses in developing countries. Carpaine, BITC, benzyl glucosinolates, latex, and papain are the main bioactive compounds studied in different papaya tissues. However, the antioxidant properties and human health–related benefits of phenolic compounds and carotenoids in C. papaya L. have not been explored deeply. The study of the mechanisms of action of these compounds in the prevention or treatment of different diseases is key to improving the nutritional and increasing the medical applications of papaya. The use of different tools provided by the omics science are necessary to have a fully understanding of the mechanisms of action of phenolic and carotenoids compounds present in papaya.