Phytochemical Analysis of Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus Spp.) and Carica Papaya Stems

Recent research has unveiled the potential therapeutic effects of plants, emphasizing their significance in medicinal applications. Numerous studies have indicated that certain plants harbor bioactive compounds, rendering them suitable for medicinal purposes. In this particular study, the researchers focused on Carica papaya and dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) with the aim of identifying the present bioactive compounds present in their stems and evaluating their potential therapeutic effects. To determine the presence of certain bioactive compounds, the researchers conducted a preliminary phytochemical screening method based on established protocols by Cagayan State University-Andrews. Mayer's test was used to detect alkaloids, the alkaline reagent test for anthocyanins, Shinoda's test for flavonoids, the Ferric chloride test for phenols, the Froth test for saponins, Guevara’s Method for steroids, the Lead acetate test for tannins, and the Salwoski test for terpenoids. The results revealed that both Carica papaya and dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) contained similar bioactive compounds, including alkaloids, phenols, saponins, steroids, and tannins. However, dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) possessed an additional bioactive compound, namely terpenoids, which provided it with a comparative advantage over Carica papaya. Additionally, the researchers conducted a literature review on the therapeutic effects associated with the identified bioactive compounds. In the case of Carica papaya, its metabolites were found to contribute to various therapeutic effects, such as antiplatelet, anesthetic, antifungal, antiviral, anabolic, cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, analgesic, anthelmintic, anticarcinogen, antimutagenic, styptic, astringent, antiadhesive, antimicrobial, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Similarly, dragon fruit exhibited therapeutic effects, including antiplatelet, anesthetic, antifungal, antiviral, anabolic, cholesterol-lowering, antidiabetic, anthelmintic, anticarcinogen, antimutagenic, styptic, astringent, antiadhesive, antihyperglycemic, antiparasitic, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties. Overall, both Carica papaya and dragon fruit stems demonstrated potential therapeutic effects on human health, with dragon fruit exhibiting a slight advantage due to the presence of terpenoids. This study suggests that these plants hold promise for the development of natural medicines. However, further research is warranted to comprehensively understand the effects of the identified bioactive compounds on human health.