Phythomedical and Public Health Importance of Ripe Pawpaw (Carica papaya) Seed on Bacterial Infections of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

Abstract

Bioactive Effect of ripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was studied. The bioactive compounds of seeds extract of Carica papaya was extracted, using water and ethanol, and were investigated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli using the agar diffusion method. Result of the antibacterial effect of aqueous extract of ripe paw paw seed showed Staphylococcus aureus had zone of inhibition of 4 mm and 8 mm at 50mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. Escherichia coli had zone of inhibition of 3 mm and 5 mm at 50mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. These organisms showed resistance to 25mg/ml concentration. The antibacterial effect of ethanol extract of ripe paw paw showed Staphylococcus aureus had zone of inhibition of 6 mm, 12 mm and 15 mm at 25mg/ml, 50mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. Escherichia coli had zone of inhibition of 5 mm, 8 mm and 12 mm at 25mg/ml 50mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively. The aqueous extracts had a MIC of 100mg/ml while the ethanol extract had MIC at 50 mg/ml to both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In conclusion, the demonstration of antibacterial activity against both gram Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli is an indication that the plant is a potential source for the production of drugs with a broad spectrum of activity as it showed a comparable result to standard antibiotics. Therefore seeds of ripe pawpaw (Carica papaya) is of high benefits to management of bacterial infection of public health importance.