Nutritional and Pharmacological Properties of Papaya Peel: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Food waste is a significant problem with ecological, ethical, societal, and economic implications. The global papaya market is likely to grow significantly between 2022 and 2027, leading to an increase in organic and discarded leftovers like peels and seeds. Papaya is a profitable and nutritious fruit that is gaining acceptance in Pakistan. Papaya fruit pulp and its other parts, including leaves, peels, roots, and seeds, have nourishing and medicinal significance. The pulp of papaya fruit contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals, while many valuable bioactive compounds are available in fruit peels and seeds. These bioactive components have a vital role in pharmacological activities, including antibacterial, anticancer activity, antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, wound-healing, antidiabetic, and many more, which are due to the presence of some phytochemicals, including phenolic, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Additionally, the nutritive profile of papaya peel is under development because of its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. This review paper targets to highlight the nutritional and pharmacological properties of papaya peel, with an emphasis on promoting sustainable waste management in practical applications.