Carica papaya L.: A Tropical Fruit with Benefits beyond the Tropics

Carica papaya L. (family: Caricaceae), also known as ‘papaya,’ is a tropical American fruit tree. Due to the bioactive components (carpaines, BITC, benzyl glucosinolates, latex, papain, zeaxanthin, choline, etc.) in its seeds, leaves, and fruits, it revered for excellent antioxidant, digestive, nutraceutical benefits. Papayas are high vitamins A, B, C, E, K, folate, pantothenic acid, lycopene, lutein, magnesium, copper, calcium, potassium. Being rich fiber, antioxidants, vitamin lowers cholesterol arteries; prevents arthritis; reduces aging, cancer, macular degradation, risk of cardiovascular diseases, stress; increases platelet count; controls dengue fever; facilitates digestion, body weight. Papaya leaf extract, with many vitro case studies combination therapies modern medicine, especially cancers other viral has been found be an efficient cure. Humans have cultivated cultivars millions years because their significant commercial, medicinal, agronomic value. Several reports published on genetic modification resistance abiotic (herbicide, Al toxicity, biotic stressors (PRSV, mites, Phytophthora, etc.), delaying ripening, improving shelf life. However, most these traits not introduced globally all commercial varieties. Unraveling genetics shed light various domestication impacts, evolutionary patterns, sex determination tree crops. It serves potential step toward developing new fight climate-oriented stress. Furthermore, extensive research stability ‘transgene’ across generations, ‘yield-penalty’ caused by transgene, required. Thus, meticulous crop improvement necessary long-term food health security. This review article encompasses information traditional medicinal uses, nutritional properties, phytochemistry, diseases etiology, post-harvest measures, genomics, biotechnological strategies (for improvement), value-added products