Comparative Nutritional, Phytochemical and Micronutrient Evaluation of Carica papaya Seed and Peel Extracts for Sustainable By-Product Valorization

Increasing interest in sustainable food systems has intensified the search for alternative nutrient sources derived from agricultural by-products. Carica papaya is widely consumed globally, yet its seeds and peels are often discarded despite emerging evidence of their nutritional and bioactive potential. In this study, methanolic extracts of C. papaya seed and peel were evaluated for proximate composition, phytochemical constituents, mineral profile, and vitamin content using standard analytical methods. The peel exhibited significantly higher dietary fiber and carbohydrate contents, whereas the seed showed elevated lipid and protein levels. Phytochemical analysis revealed higher concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins in the seed, while tannins were more abundant in the peel. Mineral profiling demonstrated complementary micronutrient distributions, with the peel rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and the seed containing higher levels of iron, zinc, and copper. Vitamin analysis indicated notable levels of vitamins C, A, and E, particularly in the peel. The consistently low variability across parameters reflected strong analytical precision. Overall, C. papaya peel and seed possess distinct yet complementary nutritional profiles, supporting their potential application as functional food ingredients and nutraceutical resources while promoting sustainable by-product valorization.