Anti bacterial activity and medicinal properties of paw paw (<i>Carica papaya</i>)

Abstract

The antibacterial activity and medicinal properties of Carica papaya (paw paw) were studied. Paw paw leaves and the roots were extracted using solvents, n-hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water. The extracts were then assayed for bacterial activity and inhibition of bacterial growth. The results show that all the extracts except the water extract have antibacterial activity and that the
inhibition of bacterial growth was dose dependent. The results also showed that paw paw extracts posses medicinal properties and could be used for the treatment of bacterial infections.