Pawpaw Fruit Research Articles

Assessment of Calcium Carbide and Natural Ripened Pawpaw (Carica Papaya) Fruits on Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Rats

This research was aimed at assessing calcium carbide and natural ripened pawpaw (Carica papaya) fruit on the biochemical parameters of the Wistar rats. Twenty four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing between 126.9- 213.3 g was used for this study. The experimental Wistar rats were grouped into three and were allowed to acclimatize for two weeks at libitum. Five (5) ml/kg of natural and calcium carbide ripened pawpaw fruit juice were administered orally. At the end of the four weeks feeding period, the rats were sacrificed through cervical dislocation. Blood was collected by cardiac puncture, using 5ml syringes and 23G needles into blood sample containers for biochemical analysis using the standard biochemical methods. The renal, hepatic, cardiac, heart and lipid profile parameters analyzed were albumin, total protein, urea, creatinine, Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total cholesterol and were compared with the naturally ripened pawpaw fruit group. All mean values of total protein, total cholesterol, lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine levels of calcium carbide ripened pawpaw fruit juice fed group were significantly higher when compared with the natural ripened pawpaw fruit juice. Meanwhile, albumin, total bilirubin, urea, ALT, AST and ALP levels of calcium carbide ripened fruit juice fed group were lower when compared with the natural ripened pawpaw fruit juice. Statistically, there were no significant differences of albumin and total protein parameters at 95% confidence level (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the elevated levels of creatinine, total cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase may result to kidney injury, cardiovascular and heart diseases. There is therefore need for institutional and legislative strengthening as well as enforcement to prevent the use of calcium carbide in the ripening of pawpaw and other fruits.

Heavy Metals Contamination and Human Health Risk Asssessment Via Consumption of Medicinal Plants from Amassoma Community, Bayelsa State of Nigeria

Aims: Man-made activities such as excessive oil exploration, automobile emissions, gas flaring and agricultural activities tend to elevate the concentrations of heavy metals in the surrounding. Heavy metals have the tendency to accumulate in plant roots, which may result to heavy metal contamination.
 Objectives: This study aimed at evaluating the concentration of heavy metals such as Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel and Zinc (Zn) in Pawpaw fruits, seeds, leaf and Scent leaf from Amosoma community in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The concentrations of these metals were used to assess the human health risk melted to the consumers of the vegetables and fruits.
 Materials and Methods: Sixteen different vegetables and fruit samples comprising of Pawpaw and Scent leaves were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (F-AAS).
 Results: The result of the present study reviewed that Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn ranged from 1.090 ± 0.01 - 5.990 ± 0.06; 0.213 ± 0.03 - 1.317 ± 0.02; 2.810 ± 0.04 - 4.767 ± 0.09; and 0.793 ± 0.01 -5.303 ± 0.02 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni in some of the analyzed pawpaw and scent leaf samples exceeded the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO, EC/CODEX and NAFDAC respectively. The concentrations of Zn were below the permissible limit as recommended by WHO/FAO. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd exceeded the oral reference dose (RfDo) however; Ni and Zn fall within the oral RfDo. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Hazard Index (HI) values of Pb, Cd, Ni and Zn were less than 1. The Carcinogenic Risk (CR) of Cd and Ni exceeded the range of permissible predicted lifetime risks for carcinogens as recommended by US EPA, meanwhile, the carcinogenic risk of Pb was within the permissible predicted lifetime risks as recommended by USEPA.
 Conclusion: The result from the present study indicate that the fruits and leaves from pawpaw and scent leaf may be contaminated with Pb, Cd, and Ni and the exposed population may be at risk of developing cancer due to carcinogenic ingestion of Cd and Ni over time.

Determination of Heavy Metals (Lead, Zinc, Nickel and Cadmium) in Medicinal Plants (Scent Leaf and Pawpaw) in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Aims: This study investigated the level of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in selected medicinal plants - Scent Leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) that are traditionally used in alternative medicine in Amassoma community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
 Study Design: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) from where these plants are grown were randomly collected for heavy metal analysis from within Amassoma community in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, Nigeria
 Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Amassoma, Bayelsa State between March 2019 to September 2019
 Methodology: Scent leaf (Ocimum gratissimum) and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) were digested and analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, model S471096). The method used was wet-ashing method for the analysis.
 Results: The result showed that the concentration of Lead in the pawpaw fruit with 5.99mg/kg and pawpaw seed with 3.72mg/kg, were above the WHO permissible limit. While the concentration of Cadmium in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf with 1.32mg/kg, 0.96mg/kg, 0.21mg/kg, and 0.59mg/kg, were all above the permissible limits. Again, Zinc in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were 2.52mg/kg, 2.53mg/kg, 5.30mg/kg, and 0.79mg/kg respectively, and these are also above the permissible limit. While that of the concentration of Nickel in the pawpaw fruit, pawpaw leaf, pawpaw seed and scent leaf were observed to be within permissible limit.
 Conclusion: It is therefore recommended that caution should be taken when such plants are to be used as alternative to conventional medicine as excess of it could pose the risk of bioaccumulation and possible health effects in humans.

Fungi Causing Post-Harvest Spoilage Carica papaya Linn Fruits of Two Selected Markets in Kano State, Nigeria

This study was carried out for four month (September, 2015 to December, 2015) to find the fungal species associated with post-harvest spoilage of pawpaw fruits sales at Na’ibawa and Wudil Markets all in Kano State. A total of five strains of fungi were isolated and identified as Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavuus, Rhizophus stolonifer, Yeast, and Fusarium. Pathogenicity test of each fungal isolate showed that all fungi were capable of causing rotting of the fruit and most severe rotting was caused by Aspergillus niger and Yeast with 8(29.63%) Respectively at Na’ibawa market and 10(34.48%) and 9(31.03%) at Wudil market followed by Rhizophus with 7(25.93%) and 5 (17.25%) while Aspergillus flavus and Fusarium produced the least rotting of the fruit. The difference in the fungal spoilage of Carica papaya between the two market areas Na’ibawa and Wudil markets was statistically significant (p≥0.05). From the result of this study, it is clearly indicated that the spoilage of pawpaw fruits in the two markets was due to fungal attack.

Isolation and Control of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Spoiled Carica papaya (L.) Fruit in Mubi Main Market using Aqueous Leaf Extract of Sida acuta. (L.)

The fruit of Carica papaya (pawpaw) is an important crop widely grown around the world. Isolation and control of fungi associated with spoiled pawpaw in the Mubi main market were carried out. A total of twenty (20) pawpaw fruits were collected from four locations, the isolation and characterization were done using standard procedure. The result revealed that four fungi cause pawpaw spoilage in the study area (Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, Mucos spp and Rhizopus stolonifer) and were confirmed through a pathogenicity test. Location3 of the main market showed the highest disease incidence of 50%; location 2 the least with 20%. The efficacy of leaf extract of S. acuta was tested for antifungal activities against the four isolates and was positive as the zone of inhibition by the extract increases with an increase in concentration. It can be concluded that A. niger, P. expansum, Mucos spp and R. stolonifer were pathogens responsible for C. papaya fruit rot in Mubi main market. S. acuta leaf extract was able to restrain the growth of the pathogens. Further research should be carried out to determine the phytochemical present in the leaf extract of S. acuta and also to identify the active components in the plants.

Changes in Proximate Composition, Vitamin C and β-Carotene Contents of Oven Dried Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Fruit as Influenced by Pretreatment Methods

A common way of maintaining essential nutrients in fruits and vegetables is through novel food processing techniques such as pretreatment. This study investigated the influence of pretreatment methods on the proximate composition, vitamin C and β-carotene contents of oven dried pawpaw. Fresh, ripe pawpaw fruit were peeled, sliced and pretreated with three pretreatments – ascorbic acid dip (0.45% w/v), honey dip (0.25% v/v) and steam blanching (100 °C). The fruit slices were soaked in ascorbic acid and honey solutions for 4 min while steam blanching was done for 2 min. Untreated pawpaw sample served as the control. The treated and control samples were dried at an average temperature of 65 °C. Results showed that vitamin C of dried pawpaw samples pretreated with honey dip had the highest retention of vitamin C (116.05 mg/100g) compared to ascorbic acid treated (98.90 mg/100g), steam blanched (109.02 mg/100g), and control samples (77.02 mg/100g). In terms of β-carotene, pawpaw sample treated with ascorbic acid solution had the highest value of 12.68 mg/100g. The use of honey and ascorbic acid solutions as treatments prior to drying can improve the retention of nutrients such as vitamin C and β-carotene in dried fruits.Keywords—Pretreatments, proximate properties, vitamin C, β-carotene

Effects of Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seed Flour Addition on the Quality of Wheat Bread

The effects of pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed flour addition to wheat based bread was studied. Matured, ripen pawpaw fruits were washed, and the seeds were collected, extracted, dried and milled. Different proportions of wheat and pawpaw seed flour with increasing level of pawpaw seed flour at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5% addition in wheat were prepared. Control sample was 100% wheat flour and its bread. The functional properties of the flours of wheat and pawpaw seed were determined. The proximate composition (breads and pawpaw seed flour), vitamins content and sensory attributes of the bread samples were determined using standard procedures. The GENSTAT Statistical Software (version 17.0) was used for data analyses. The Data obtained showed an increased oil absorption capacity (0.62-1.23 g/g), foaming capacity (14.54-19.88%) and a decreased water absorption capacity (1.88-1.35 g/g) and bulk density (0.78-0.41 g/cm3) with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. The proximate composition of the bread samples showed significant (p<0.05) increase in moisture (23.80-30.83%), ash (0.78-3.00%), crude fibre (0.58-1.48%), crude fat (2.20-9.68%) and crude protein (11.46-17.71%) but decrease in carbohydrate (61.19-37.31%) contents with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. The pawpaw seed flour showed proximate composition of 8.15% moisture, 7.46% ash, 5.44% crude fibre, 25.41% crude fat, 28.18% crude protein and 25.38% carbohydrate. Vitamin C (0.57-12.95 mg/100 g) and pro-vitamin A (0.26-7.37 µg/100 g) significantly (p<0.05) increased with increased pawpaw seed flour percentage while Vitamin B3 decreased with increased addition. Appearance and taste panel scores indicated that up to 5% addition of pawpaw seed flour was acceptable in bread formulation.

Physico-chemical, Alveograph and Anti-nutritional Properties of Breads Formulated from Wheat and Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seed Flour Blends

The feasibility of partially substituting wheat flour with pawpaw seed (WFPS) flour in bread formulation was investigated. Matured, ripped pawpaw fruits were washed, and the seeds were collected, extracted, dried and milled. Different proportions of wheat and pawpaw seed flour with increasing level of pawpaw seed flour at 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10 and 12.5 % addition in wheat were prepared. Control sample was 100 % wheat flour and its bread. The physical properties of breads and alveograph properties of dough blends were determined. Also, the mineral and anti-nutritional contents of the bread samples were determined using standard procedures. The GENSTAT Statistical Software (version 17.0) was used for data analyses. Physical properties of the bread samples significantly (p<0.05) decreased in oven spring (5.49-2.39 cm), loaf volume (1022.50-901.60 cm3) and specific volume (4.09-3.14 cm3/g) but increased in loaf weight (250.20-288.50 g) with increased pawpaw seed flour addition. Values for dough maximum pressure (91.00-109.50 mm), extensibility (80.50-54.50 mm) and baking strength (255.00-237.50 ×10-4joules/g) significantly (p<0.05) decreased while the ratio of resistance to extensibility increased (1.36-1.66) with increased seed flour addition. The result of the mineral analysis of the breads showed significant (p<0.05) increase in all the mineral parameters determined. High values were recorded in magnesium (143.00-182.50 mg/100g), calcium (252.60-342.60 mg/100g) and phosphorus (73.50-127.30 mg/100g). The anti-nutritional contents of the breads significantly (p<0.05) increased as the level of pawpaw seed flour substitution increased. Tannins, oxalate, Phytate, and Trypsin inhibitor ranged from 1.76-2.68 mg/100g, 0.06-0.28 mg/100g, 0.06-0.29 mg/100g and 1.28-9.71 TIU/100g respectively.

The Food Diversity and Choices of Archachatina Marginata raised in Concrete Trench Pens

Archachatina marginata is an economically useful gastropod, scientifically proven to be of huge benefit to human’s health and wellbeing. Food varieties of A. marginata hunted from the immediate environment of Ovia North East, South-South, Nigeria, were investigated to select the most appropriate, in terms of preferences and availability. The study was conducted for five months (May to August, 2020) during the rainy season. Ten snails were selected from the wild with weights ranging from 340.21g to 355.32g and heights of 11.8cm to 13.3cm at the point of collection. The snails were housed each, in an escape-proof trench pen, covered with wire gauze and nylon net. They were fed with fourteen different types of food materials (water leaves, paw-paw leaves, sweet potato, white -boiled rice, corn powder, ripe paw-paw fruit, cocoyam leaves, millet powder, water melon, cucumber, formulated poultry mash, pineapple, white paper and cabbage). Water melon was very well consumed by all the snails (1323.30g; 66.17%) compared to other food items. The least consumed food items were millet powder (19.99%) and pineapple (20.28%). There was a marked increase in weight and length of the snails as the months progressed, with average length of 15.01 cm and average weight of 501.58g in August, relative to the initial measurements in May.

Production and comparative evaluation of leather products from pawpaw (Carica papaya) and banana (Musa acuminata) fruit pulp

Food wastage as a result of postharvest losses is responsible for about one-third of the entire annual harvest wasted world over. Postharvest losses occur due to the lack of processing and preservation technologies of the surplus harvest, as well as the unavailability of properly trained personnel. Therefore, in the bid to minimize food wastage from postharvest losses, some perishable tropical fruits were processed into fruit leathers. Fresh banana and pawpaw fruits were used to produce banana leather, pawpaw leather, and composite (banana & pawpaw) leather. The fresh fruits were washed, peeled, deseeded, sliced, mashed, and dried in an oven to produce flexible leather sheets of the fruits. The fresh fruit pulps and the fruit leathers were analysed for nutritional (proximate, vitamin and mineral) compositions and sensory qualities using standard methods. The results showed that significant differences (p<0.05) exist between the fresh fruits and fruit leathers. The moisture content of the fruit leathers ranged from 23.36% to 23.84%, protein contents ranged from 8.32% to 8.76%, while the carbohydrate contents ranged from 61.07% to 62.01%. The vitamin E in the fruit leathers increased significantly (30 – 34 µg/100 g) while vitamin B9 in the fruit leathers decreased significantly after drying, when compared with their corresponding fresh fruits. In addition, vitamin C decreased in the banana products (52.96 to 17.65 mg/100 g) and in the pawpaw products (123.56 to 52.96 mg/100 g) after processing, but magnesium, potassium, and calcium increased significantly in the fruit leathers. The general acceptability of the fruit leathers from the sensorial perspective showed that pawpaw leather was slightly liked (6.40) while banana leather (7.10) and composite leather (7.50) were liked moderately. Though the banana fruit leather and composite fruit leather were not significantly different, the sensory scores showed that the composite fruit leather was more preferred. This research has demonstrated that processing of fruits into fruit leathers will not only minimize postharvest losses but will also create a new variety of value-added products with higher nutritional value potential compared to its fresh fruits.

Efficacy of plant extracts and extracting agents against Colletotrichum gloeosporoides of pawpaw fruits

Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) is a fruit crop of economic importance in Kenya, where small scale farmers are the major producers. One factor limiting pawpaw production is anthracnose disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporoides, whose management on farm still remains a major challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of plant extracts and extracting agents for controlling anthracnose disease on pawpaw fruits. In vitro spore germination and in-vivo tests were done using extracts from five plants; Aloe chiliensis, Azadiracta indica, Carissa edulis, Fuerstia africana and Solanum incanum; and extracting agents methanol, chloroform and ethanol against the fungus. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the botanicals’ dose response treatment ranges. The efficacy of the crude extracts was greatest when methanol was used for extraction. The highest inhibition was recorded in pawpaw fruits treated with leaf extracts of F. africana. There were significant differences in effects among treatments by methanolic extracts of the five plants on conidial spore germination percentage. Aloe chilensis (Aloe) showed a higher spore germination of 35.7%; while Azadirachta indica (Neem) resulted in the lowest spore germination of 1.2%. There were significant differences in days to healing of C. papaya fruits infected with anthracnose. Pawpaw infected fruits healed fastest (3.5 days) when treated with the methanolic leaf extracts of F. africana; while A. chiliensis ethanolic leaf extracts resulted in the longest healing time of over 7 days. Although these botanical fungicides present high potentials or controlling anthracnose pathogens of pawpaw fruits, their suitability for application within the socio-economic framework of Kenyan small-scale producers still remains a matter for further investigation.

Phenotypic diversity and chemical properties of pawpaw fruit quality in Ugandan germplasm

Pawpaw (Carica pawpaw L.) fruit production and utilisation have been on the increase in Uganda. However, challenges related to identification of phenotypes with inherent characteristics for improvement of fruit shelf life have limited identification of better varieties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the phenotypic diversity and shelf life determinants of Uganda’s pawpaw accessions and their variations based on selected quality parameters. Nineteen accessions were collected as seeds from different markets of Uganda, germinated and planted in Namulonge-Wakiso district, central Uganda. The accessions were significantly (P<0.05) variable in terms of fruit weight parameters, with dry matter ranging from 14 - 19% and fruit weight of up to 3.9 kg; while pulp weight was up to 3.2 kg per fruit. Pulp firmness parameters were also significantly variable (P<0.05) and highly correlated with shelf life of the fruit, which ranged from 7 - 13 days depending on the accession. Fruit pulp pH ranged from 4.4-5.6; while titratable acidity of the fruit ranged from 0.03-0.08%. The accessions were clustered in four main clusters depending on the fruit firmness properties, fruit shelf life, fruit weight, pH and titratable acidity as definitive parameters. These accessions were distinguished based on morphological parameters, and henceforth defined for nutritional and economic uses. Accessions with high fruit firmness (>5 kg F) such as 16/20’ 16/16, 16/17 and 18/1; and external pulp thickness (>2 cm) such as 16/16, 16/17 and 18/1 had improved fruit shelf life and are recommended for marketability and processing.

Occurrence of BTEX from petroleum hydrocarbons in surface water, sediment, and biota from Ubeji Creek of Delta State, Nigeria.

Petroleum exploration and production activities pose great threat worldwide in the marine environment with numerous occurrences of spills every year. Ubeji Creek in Nigeria suffers environmental pollution attributable to petroleum exploration. The hydrocarbons in petroleum encompass a large number of toxicants such as BTEX, which are frequently discharged into water bodies during spillage. In terms of scope, this study assessed for the first time BTEX levels in surface water, sediment, and biota of the Ubeji Creek. Environmental samples were collected at designated sampling locations along the Ubeji Creek quarterly for 2 years. Water quality was determined in situ, while BTEX levels in water, sediment, and biota were assessed in the laboratory using GC-FID. The physico-chemical characteristics of water were within the acceptable WHO limits with the exception of DO of 3.01 ± 0.25 mg/L. Organic pollution load could have contributed to the depression of DO level below the limit. BTEX of 5.57 ± 0.62 mg/kg in sediment samples was higher than the level in control sample. The BTEX levels in fish, shrimps, pawpaw fruit, pineapple tissue, bitter leaf, and cassava were 0.37 ± 0.05, 0.39 ± 0.01, 0.56 ± 0.02, 1.35 ± 0.04, 0.46 ± 0.06, and 0.22 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Accumulation of BTEX in this biota can affect their nutritive quality and consequently pose threat to humans who daily consume them.

Carica papaya Linn. fruit extract inhibited the activities of aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase: possible mechanism for amelioration of diabetic complications

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which is associated with debilitating complications including eye disease, kidney disorder, and diabetic foot disease. One of the mechanisms implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications is the polyol pathway. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract of four tropical fruits, namely apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), banana (Musa paradisiaca Linn.), pawpaw (Carica papaya Linn.), and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum & Nakai), on the activities of polyol pathway enzymes (aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase).ResultsAll the fruits, with the exception of banana, displayed stronger inhibition of sorbitol dehydrogenase than aldose reductase which culminated in low IC50 for the inhibition of sorbitol dehydrogenase. Of the fruit extracts tested, pawpaw inhibited both aldose reductase and sorbitol dehydrogenase most effectively with IC50 of 150.78 μg/mL and 46.30 μg/mL, respectively. Lineweaver-Burk plot also revealed that the pawpaw extract inhibited aldose reductase competitively while sorbitol dehydrogenase was inhibited in a mixed non-competitive manner.ConclusionAqueous extract of pawpaw fruit effectively inhibited polyol pathway enzymes, and this may be attributed to rich nutritional and phytochemical composition of the fruit. Consequently, the consumption of pawpaw fruit may contribute to the amelioration of diabetic complications.

Effects of different feeding regimes on the growth performance of the giant African land snail Archachatina marginata (Swainson)

Effects of various feeding regimes on the growth performance of the giant African land snail, Archachatina marginata were studied using one hundred and twenty (120 Juvenile snails) weighing 0.66g +1 per snails for a period of 90 days. The treatments were. T1 -Grower starter, T2 - Grower mash, T3 - cocoyam and cassava leaves and T4 - Ripe pawpaw fruits. The Completely Randomized Design was used with four treatments and each replicated three times. The snails were confined in wooden hutch boxes. Data was collected on weekly body weight feed intake, shell length and shell width. Results obtained showed that snails fed with broiler starter diet (T1) had significantly (P<0.05) higher performance in terms of weight gain, feed intake, shell length and the aperture, while pawpaw fruits T4 recorded the least values. The highest values for feed intake was observed in T1 (135.5g) followed by T2 (78.2g), while the least feed intake was observed in T4 (55.7g). Snails fed with T1 recorded the highest weight gain (60.1g) followed by T2 and T3.The lowest weight gain was obtained in T4 (37.9g). Shell length was highest in T1 (20.7mm), closely followed by T2 (19.2mm). The aperture recorded the highest mean values in T1 (20.1mm). The least operculum was recorded in T4 (12.9mm). Therefore, the broiler starter T1 should be used to feed growing snails to improve their performance.
 Keywords: Snails, Broiler Starter, Grower mesh, Cocoyam leaves, Cassava leaves, Pawpaw fruits, hutch boxes

Nutritional Potentials and Uses of Pawpaw (Carica papaya): A Review

Pawpaw is a fast growing fruit tree with edible fruits which are consumed in many countries of the world. The fruits are edible in its unripe and ripe forms such as in salads, juices, smoothies, soups and for therapeutic purposes. Other uses include in medicine and cosmetic industries were the fruits as well as other parts of the tree are used in the production of drugs and several cosmetic items. Pawpaw fruits are rich in several nutrients especially vitamins and minerals however its consumption is low when considered to other popular fruits. Hence this review looks at the nutritional potential of pawpaw fruit as a good micronutrient source just as other fruits.

Quality Evaluation of Fresh Papaya Fruits Stored in Evaporative Coolers

A study was conducted to assess the performance of evaporative coolers for the storage of fruits and vegetables. The evaporative coolers used for this study consist of double-walled rectangular brick construction (1.29 × 2.55 × 2.56) m external and (1.13 × 1.27 × 2.08) m, internal, (length × width × height) with the inter-space filled with river bed sand saturated with water. In this study, ambient storage temperature ranged from 26.6 to 28.7oC with relative humidity which ranged from 64.7 to 85.2 percent. However, NBBEC storage recorded lower temperature within the range of 24.3 to 25.3oC and relative humidity which ranged from 88.8 to 91.2 percent while ABBEC storage recorded the least temperature which ranged from 23.0 to 24.1oC with highest relative humidity which ranged from 91.4 to 92.8 percent. The papaya fruits stored in the coolers and in ambient were evaluated for weight loss, total soluble solids, pH, total titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, beta carotene content and microbial load. TTA, ascorbic acid, beta carotene decreased; while pH and TSS increased with storage period. In ambient storage, fresh papaya fruits stored in evaporative coolers have lower microbial load compared to ambient storage with aluminum cladding of the cooler (ABBEC) further improving microbial quality and shelf life. The pawpaw fruits stored in the aluminum cladded burnt-clay-brick evaporative cooler (ABBEC) remained fresh and firm for ten days compared to three days in non-cladded burnt-clay-brick evaporative cooler (NBBEC) and four days in ambient storage.

Invitro a-amylase Inhibitory Activity and Antioxidant Profile of Carica Papaya Seed Protein Hydrolysate

Carica papaya, a plant belonging to the Caricaceae family produces pawpaw fruit; a very useful plant commonly found in most of the tropical African countries, with Nigeria being the third largest producer worldwide. Protein hydrolysates from Pawpaw (Carica papaya) seeds were examined for in-vitro α-amylase inhibitory and antioxidant activities. Pawpaw seeds proteins were isolated and subsequently hydrolyzed by trypsin and pepsin. The degree of breakdown by trypsin (40.97 ± 0.18%) was more (p < 0.05) than pepsin (33.60 ± 0.23%). The peptide yield of tryptic hydrolysis (7.35 ± 0.17%) was significantly higher than that of peptic hydrolysis (5.13 ± 0.04%). All the hydrolysates, including the standards, show α-amylase inhibitory activities and antioxidant activities in a concentration-increasing manner. Trypsin hydrolysate showed the highest α-amylase inhibition (63.64 ± 1.55%). 50% effective concentration (EC50) for Pepsin hydrolysate (0.61 ± 0.02 mg/ml) was lower than trypsin hydrolysate (0.66 ± 0.01 mg/ml). The trypsin hydrolysate displayed the higher ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and H2O2-Scavenging activities (5.8mg/ml and 22.54 ± 0.12% respectively) while pepsin hydrolysate showed the best DPPH-scavenging activity (75.99%). The results, therefore, suggest that C. papaya seeds protein hydrolysates may serve as a food source with curative properties like antioxidant capacity and inhibitory effect against α-amylase

Studies on the Microflora of Ripe Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Fruits in Ghana

The aim of the study is to identify fungi associated with fruit rot of pawpaw both in the field and in storage. Three experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, fungi growing on ripe pawpaw fruits randomly collected from plants on the UCC campus were identified in the laboratory. The position on the fruit the fungi appeared was recorded. The second experiment involved the storage of fruits in insect proof containers in the laboratory to indentify fungi growing onthe fruits and the position on the fruit the fungi appeared. In the third experiment, fruits were washed with 10% solution of Milton 2 before they were stored in insect proof containers. Fungi which grew on them and the position on the fruit the fungi appeared were identified. The survey revealed that Collectotricum gloesporiodes which cause anthracnose was the most frequently occurring fungi in the field in the study area. The most serious fungi diseases of pawpaw in storage were found to be anthracnose, stem end rot and black rot which were caused by Collectotricum gloesporiodes, Phomopsis caricae-papayae andPhoma caricae-papayae. It was demonstrated that surface sterilization with 10% Milton 2 solution increased the shelf life of the stored fruits for 2-3 days.&#x0D; Keywords: Carica papaya; Microflora; Milton 2; Surface sterilization; Frequency of occurrence.

Comparative Wound Healing Effects of Honey, Olive Oil, Pawpaw Fruit Extract and Iodine in Diabetic Rats: an Evaluation and Prioritization of Potential Alternative Therapeutic Options

Wound healing is an intricate and dynamic process of replacing devitalized and missing cellular structures...