Abstract
Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant and photoprotective effects of Carica papaya fruits using spectrophotometric methods.
 Methods: The dried fruit powder of C. papaya was extracted separately in methanol, ethanol, and distilled water for 2 days on a constant heating water bath at 60°C. The extracts were concentrated under vacuum using a rotary evaporator and separately dried in a desiccator to yield the methanol, ethanol, and aqueous extracts. Proximate analysis of the fruit powder such as determination of ash values, loss on drying, and extractive values was performed as per the World Health Organization guidelines. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined by Folin–Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride methods, respectively. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging method and compared with ascorbic acid. The photoprotective effect was evaluated by the spectrophotometric method.
 Results: Our results revealed the total phenolic content 59.7±1.15 for methanol extract, 56.1±0.33 for ethanol extract, and 64.4±1.95 for the aqueous extract μg/ml of gallic acid equivalent. The level of flavonoids, expressed in quercetin equivalents in μg/ml, of methanol extract was of 79.3±0.61, ethanol extract 66.3±0.13, and aqueous extract 23.9±0.26, respectively. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts was found superior to ascorbic acid that was used as the standard for activity comparison. The results of sun protection factor (SPF) in vitro study demonstrated comparable SPF in a concentration-dependent manner.
 Conclusion: The flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in the extracts could be responsible by the photoprotective effect of C. papaya.
Highlights
Oxidative stress develops due to excessive production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) that results into a serious imbalance between endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism and the production of ROS in the body [1]
Our experiment revealed excellent free radical scavenging activity of the extracts, superior to ascorbic acid that was used as the standard for activity comparison
The present study demonstrates that C. papaya contains a good amount of phenolic compounds which may serve as natural sources of antioxidants agents
Summary
Oxidative stress develops due to excessive production of reactive oxidant species (ROS) that results into a serious imbalance between endogenous antioxidant defense mechanism and the production of ROS in the body [1]. The results of oxidative stress contributes inflammation and development of a number of debilitating illnesses, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or neurodegenerative processes. Ultraviolet radiation (UV) induces oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the skin that causes premature photoaging, immunosuppression, and skin cancer [2]. ROS induced by oxidative stress can lead to apoptotic or necrotic cell death [3]. Polyphenols are known to possess potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting molecular signaling pathways that are activated due to oxidative stress [4]. Flavonoids absorb UV radiation (photoprotective effect) together with their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties and act as ROS scavengers [5]
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