Description:
Objective: To characterize the types, contents, and peroxynitrite-scavenging activities of
flavonoids in the leaf of Carica papaya (C. papaya).
Methods: Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques along with high performance
liquid chromatography quantitative analysis and peroxynitrite-scavenging assay were
performed to isolate and quantify flavonoid compounds in the flavonoid-rich fraction
(BuOH fraction) derived from MeOH extract of C. papaya leaves and evaluate their
peroxynitrite-scavenging activities.
Results: Seven flavonoids were isolated from the leaves of C. papaya, including quercetin
3-(2G-rhamnosylrutinoside), kaempferol 3-(2G-rhamnosylrutinoside), quercetin 3-
rutinoside, myricetin 3-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, quercetin, and kaempferol.
All of the substances exhibited potent activities on peroxynitrite scavenging
(IC50 � 4.15 mmol/L), which were stronger than the positive control, L-penicillamine
(6.90 mmol/L). The content of kaempferol 3-(2G-rhamnosylrutinoside) was significantly
higher than other identified compounds (123.18 mg/g BuOH fraction and 7.23 mg/g
MeOH extract).
Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate the potent antioxidant flavonoids
of C. papaya leaf, with kaempferol 3-(2G-rhamnosylrutinoside) as the major
one.