Identification and quantification of flavonoids in Carica papaya leaf and peroxynitrite-scavenging activity

Objective: To characterize the types, contents, and peroxynitrite-scavenging activities of flavonoids in the leaf of Carica papaya(C. papaya).Methods: Chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques along with high performance liquid chromatography quantitative analysis and peroxynitrite-scavenging assay were performed to isolate and quantify flavonoid compounds in the flavonoid-rich fraction(Bu OH fraction) derived from Me OH extract of C. papaya leaves and evaluate their peroxynitrite-scavenging activities.Results: Seven flavonoids were isolated from the leaves of C. papaya, including quercetin 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside), kaempferol 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside), quercetin 3-rutinoside, myricetin 3-rhamnoside, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, quercetin, and kaempferol. All of the substances exhibited potent activities on peroxynitrite scavenging(IC50 4.15 mmol/L), which were stronger than the positive control, L-penicillamine(6.90 mmol/L). The content of kaempferol 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside) was significantly higher than other identified compounds(123.18 mg/g Bu OH fraction and 7.23 mg/g Me OH extract).Conclusions: The results of the present study demonstrate the potent antioxidant flavonoids of C. papaya leaf, with kaempferol 3-(2~G-rhamnosylrutinoside) as the major one.