Antioxidant Activity of Carica Papaya Leaves and Its Influence on Glut-2 and the Life Span of Drosophilia Melanoganster

Carica papaya leaves are recognized for their high concentration of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the antioxidant properties of Carica papaya leaves and their impact on Glucose Transporter 2(GLUT-2) activity and the lifespan of Drosophila melanogaster. The study involved assessing the effects of Carica papaya leaves on Drosophila melanogaster at various doses ( 50,100,200 mg/kg). Antioxidant assays determined the leaf’s DPPH- scavenging ability, GST activity, Catalase activity and Total thiol content. Drosophila melanogaster survival assays revealed that treatment with Carica papaya leaves supplemented diet at moderate concentrations (100 mg/ml) significantly increased lifespan by 85% after 21 days of exposure, with a slight decline at higher doses, suggesting dose-dependent toxicity. Molecular docking in PyRx assessed their binding affinities to GLUT-2. Antioxidant assays measured GST content and Nitric oxide activity of the plant extract. The longevity assays result indicates that the leaves supplemented diets significantly extend lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster, and that its antioxidant activity alone can be sufficient to modulate aging pathways. The leaves showed a dose-dependent decrease in nitric oxide (NO) level and GST activity compared to the control, underscoring its antioxidant and detoxifying capabilities. Docking studies revealed that compounds like carpaine (-10.3 kcal/mol), kaempferol (-9.1 kcal/mol), naringenin (-8.8 kcal/mol), and malvidin (-8.4 kcal/mol) had strong interactions with the active site of Glucose Transporter 2 (GLUT-2), suggesting potential metabolic regulation. Carica papaya leaf extract possess significant antioxidant properties that may have therapeutic implications for managing oxidative, lifespan extension, hyperglycemia and related metabolic disorders.