Abstract

The rise of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens poses a significant challenge in wound management. In this
study, we investigated the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial properties of unripe fruit extracts of Carica
papaya on bacterial isolates from wounds. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of phenols, tannins,
saponins, alkaloids, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and cardiac glycosides in both aqueous and 50% ethanolic
extracts. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing demonstrated significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus,
Protues vulgaris, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Escherichia coli, with aqueous extract exhibiting greater inhibition
than the ethanolic counterpart. However, no activity was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These findings
underscore the potential of Carica papaya extracts in combating opportunistic infections in wound management.