2013, Vol. 1, Issue 4, Part B

author(s)
Bamisaye F.A*, Ajani E.O, Minari J.B

abstract
The ethnobotanical uses of pawpaw (Carica papaya) in randomly selected five Local Government Areas of KwararnState, Nigeria were investigated using questionnaire. In addition, the aqueous leaves and roots extracts of Caricarnpapaya were studied to ascertain the presence of phytochemicals therein. This was done so as to provide thernscientific basis for its effectiveness in the use for the treatment of various ailments and diseases in these LocalrnGovernment Areas.rnThe study combined the use of questionnaire with laboratory study. Eight hundred and eighty four (884)rnrespondents selected from five Local Government Area of Kwara state, Nigeria participated in the study.rnResponses from the public revealed numerous ethnobothanical uses of Carica papaya in many different ailmentsrnand diseases. The quantitative phytochemical screening of its leaves aqueous extract revealed the presence ofrntannins (0.001%), flavonoids (0.013%), saponins (0.022%), phenolics (0.011%) steroids (0.004%) and alkaloidsrn(0.019%) while that of the root gave tannins (0.12%), flavonoids (0.014%), saponins (0.026%), phenolics (0.011%),rnsteroids (0.006%) and alkaloids (0.021%). Cardiac glycosides, anthraquinone, phlobatanin and triterpenes were notrndetected in the leaves and roots aqueous extracts of the plant. Aqueous root extract is richer in detectedrnphytochemical substances compared with aqueous leaves extract in Carica papaya.The various phytochemicalrncompounds detected are known to have beneficial uses in industries and medical sciences, and also exhibitrnphysiological activity. Therefore, root extract may be better source for the industrial production/extraction of thesernphytochemicals, which may serve ethnobotanical uses.