Phoebe C.

Fontillas
Bs Chemistry – 4H1

Title: Extraction of Anthocyanin from Papaya Fruit

Background:
A large amount of free radicals can be generated in human body during metabolic process. These
free radicals can result in oxidative stress and homeostasis imbalance, even some chronic diseases and
cancers if they are not promptly removed. Currently, many studies devote to exploring and utilizing
natural antioxidants to remove excessive free radicals in human body, thus realizing the prevention and
treatment of diseases. Flavonoids, natural phenolic compounds, are known as agents with strong
antioxidant properties. In many diseases associated with oxidative/nitrosative stress and aging they
provide multiple biological health benefits. Anthocyanins, a particular group of compounds, are one of
the more than 6,000 members of the flavonoid family of polyphenol phytochemicals found in various
plant foods. Anthocyanin pigments have been used in folk medicine for generations, but only recently the
specific pharmacological properties of these compounds have been isolated. Anthocyanins are plentiful
in plant foods, providing the bright red-orange to blue-violet colors of many fruits and vegetables. Plants
produce anthocyanins as a protective mechanism against environmental stressors, such as ultraviolet
light, cold temperatures, and drought. This production of anthocyanins in roots, stems, and especially leaf
tissues is believed to provide resistance against these environmental hazards.
Papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruit grow in tropical and sub-tropical regions and are marketed around
the world. Several tropical fruits are rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, vitamins, and carotenoids.
Phenolic compounds are known to act as antioxidants because of their ability to donate hydrogen or
electrons and by generating stable radical intermediates. There is evidence that consumption of
antioxidant-phenolic compounds is associated with prevention of chronic diseases such as cancer,
diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
In this study, I wanted to extract antioxidant such as anthocyanin form papaya fruit.