Background: Papaya leaves (PLs) are known for their therapeutic benefits and traditional use in treating inflammation, infections, and various health conditions. Rich in bioactive compounds, PLs are studied for their potential applications in functional foods. This study analyzed their nutritional, phytochemical, structural, thermal, and antimicrobial properties to evaluate their role as a health-promoting ingredient.
Methods: Phytochemicals were quantified spectrophotometrically and identified via GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and FRAP assays. Mineral content was determined using ICP-OES. Structural and thermal properties were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, and calorimetry, and antimicrobial activity was tested via the agar well diffusion method.
Results: PLs contained 25.75% crude protein, 41.49% carbohydrates, and high levels of flavonoids (21.00 mg QE/g), phenolics (8.85 mg GAE/g), and tannins (430 mg TAE/g). Antioxidant assays confirmed strong free radical scavenging potential. Mineral analysis showed abundant K, Ca, Mg, Na, and Fe (4071, 1079, 789.2, 361.2, and 228.2 mg/kg, respectively). Structural and thermal analysis revealed bioactive functional groups, 23.9% crystallinity, and thermal degradation characteristics. PLs exhibited antimicrobial activity, inhibiting , , , and with zones of 22.05-25.15 mm.
Conclusions: PLs demonstrate strong nutritional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, supporting their inclusion in functional food.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/foods14020154 | DOI Listing |
BMC Plant Biol
January 2025
Department of Integrative Agriculture, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This study investigated the effects of non-thermal atmospheric plasma (NTAP) treatment on the growth, chemical composition, and biological activity of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L'Herit) leaves. NTAP was applied at a frequency of 13.56 MHz, exposure time of 15 s, discharge temperature of 25 °C, and power levels (T1 = 50, T2 = 80, and T3 = 120 W).
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January 2025
Advanced Glass and Glass Ceramic Research Laboratory, Department of Physics, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, India.
Recently, 3-D porous architecture of the composites play a key role in cell proliferation, bone regeneration, and anticancer activities. The osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties of β-TCP allow for the complete repair of numerous bone defects. Herein, β-TCP was synthesized by wet chemical precipitation route, and their 3-D porous composites with HBO and Cu nanoparticles were prepared by the solid-state reaction method with improved mechanical and biological performances.
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January 2025
Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Pasteur Street, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
A label-free, flexible, and disposable aptasensor was designed for the rapid on-site detection of vancomycin (VAN) levels. The electrochemical sensor was based on lab-printed carbon electrodes (C-PE) enriched with cauliflower-shaped gold nanostructures (AuNSs), on which VAN-specific aptamers were immobilized as biorecognition elements and short-chain thiols as blocking agents. The AuNSs, characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), enhanced the electrochemical properties of the platform and the aptamer immobilization active sites.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSci Rep
January 2025
Department of Chemistry, School of Advanced Sciences, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, 632014, India.
Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an important constituent of natural bone. The properties of HA can be enhanced with the help of various ionic substitutions in the crystal lattice of HA. Iron (Fe) is a vital element present in bones and teeth.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Colloid Interface Sci
April 2025
State Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address:
Conventional light-driven antimicrobial strategies of zinc oxide (ZnO) are limited by inadequate illumination in dark environments. In this study, carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (MCNC) mediated flower-like ZnO (C@Z) with self-promoted reactive oxygen species release under dark is fabricated. The adsorption of Zn ions on MCNC prompts the growth of ZnO along the (002) crystal plane, forming a flower-like hybrid with superior dispersibility and oxygen vacancies compared to MCNC-free ZnO, which exposes the (100) plane.
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