Study of Flavonoid Compound Stability and Phytochemical Profile Under Two Drying Methods and Their Correlation with the Antibacterial Activity of Papaya Leaf Extract (Carica papaya L.)

Abstract

Papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) contain secondary metabolites, including flavonoid, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids, which have potential antibacterial activity. The drying procces may affect the stability of theses bioactive compounds and consequently their biological activity. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of direct sunlight and oven drying at 50C on the phytochemical profile and antibacterial activity of papaya leaf against Staphylococcus aureus. This laboratory experimental study used a descriptive quantitive approach. Papaya leaves were dried using two methods, extracted by maceration with 70% ethanol, and subjected to phytochemical screening, FTIR analysis, and disc diffusion antibacterial testing at extract concentrations of 50%, 70%, and 100%. Data were analyzed descriptively, while antibacterial activity was statically evaluated using and Independent Sample T-Test or Mann-Whitney U Test according to data normality and homogeneity, with a significance level of p< 0.05. The results showed moisture contents of 6.90% for direct sunlight drying and 8.24% for oven drying. The oven-dried extract exhibited a more complete detectabe phytochemical profile, including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, and tannins. Antibacterial activity was detected only in the oven-dried extract at 70%, with an inhibition zone of 4.75 mm. The novelty of this study lies in the comparison of drying methods in relation to phytochemical profilee, FTIR charachteristics, and antibacterial activity of papaya leaf extract. Overall, oven drying at 50C was more effective in preserving the antibacterial potential of the extract than direct sunlight drying.