ABSTRACT
Plant-based formulations have been known and used in prevention and treatment of disease since the ancient times. These products have an advantage over man-made drugs in that they have been associated with fewer side effects and do not disrupt biochemical and physiological pathways. Carica papaya L. is a well-known fruit throughout the world, with the maximum yield occurring in tropical and subtropical regions. Papaya (C. papaya L.) is a member of the Caricaceae family, used widely in disease treatment and management around the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The constituents that are rich in Papaya pulp are vitamins (vitamin A, C, E, and B complex, pantothenic acid and folate) and minerals (magnesium and potassium). Each part of the papaya such as the leaf, stem, root, flower, rind, seeds, and latex has its own nutraceutical properties. In this chapter we discuss the nutritional attributes, active ingredients, and pharmacological applications of the papaya plant.
