In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Peel Extract and Fractions

Abstract

Inflammation is a protective response of the body to tissue injury or infection; however, excessive inflammation may lead to tissue damage, thus requiring intervention with anti-inflammatory agents. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of papaya (Carica papaya L.) peel as a source of anti-inflammatory compounds by analyzing its secondary metabolites and assessing its biological activity. Extraction was performed using maceration with 96% ethanol, followed by fractionation and phytochemical screening to identify the bioactive constituents. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in vitro using the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein denaturation inhibition method. The results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the strongest anti-inflammatory activity, with an IC₅₀ value of 86.47 ppm, which was lower than that of the crude extract and other fractions. An IC₅₀ below 100 ppm indicates a strong potential of the ethyl acetate fraction as an anti-inflammatory agent. These findings suggest that papaya peel, commonly considered waste, could serve as a promising natural source of anti-inflammatory compounds.