Investigating the Astonishing Antimicrobial Potential of Papaya seeds against Salmonella spp and Candida albicans

Abstract

Objective: This study focused on the in vitro antibacterial efficacy of papaya seed ethanolic and aqueous extracts against Salmonella spp. and Candida albicans. Material-Method: Dry seeds of Carica papaya were extracted with ethanol and hot water and tested for antimicrobial activity against Salmonella spp and Candida albicans using agar well diffusion method on Muller Hilton agar. Results: The study found that the extracts worked better against Salmonella spp than Candida albicans, however, ethanol extract was stronger against the isolates with inhibition zone diameter (IZD) ranging from 10 mm to 32 mm, compared to the aqueous extract which only had 4 mm to 9 mm zones at certain concentrations. Conclusion: The activity of Carica papaya seed extracts demonstrates that the seeds are as significant as other parts of the plant and provides a scientific basis for the seeds' use in the treatment of many ailments in the local community. The extracts were more effective against Salmonella spp., with the ethanol extract having the highest antibacterial activity, indicating that the components of papaya seeds are more soluble in organic solvents and had stronger bactericidal characteristics. As a result, extensive analyses of the bioactive chemicals in Carica papaya seeds and their modes of action are required to present a full picture