1.1 Introduction
The papaya is the plant Carica papaya, one of the 22 accepted species in the genus Carica of the family Caricaceae (Nwobi et al., 2006). Papaya is a powerhouse of nutrients and is available throughout the year. It is a rich source of threes powerful antioxidant vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E; the minerals, magnesium and potassium; the B vitamin pantothenic acid and folate and fiber. In addition to all this, it contains a digestive enzyme-papaintha effectively treats causes of trauma, allergies and sports injuries. All the nutrients of papaya as a whole improve cardiovascular system, protect against heart diseases, heart attacks, strokes and prevent colon cancer. The fruit is an excellent source of beta carotene that prevents damage caused by free radicals that may cause some forms of cancer.
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring chemical compounds which mostly contain basic nitrogen atoms. This group also includes some related compounds with neutral and even weakly acidic properties (Grant, 2005). Also some synthetic compounds of similar structure are attributed to alkaloids. In addition to carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, alkaloids may also contain oxygen, sulphur and more rarely other elements such as Chlorine, bromine and phosphorus. The compounds have complex molecular structures and manifest significant pharmacological activities. Alkaloids are produced by a large variety of organisms including bacteria, fungi, plants and animals and are part of the group of natural products (also called secondary metabolites), (Hampel, 2002).
Chemical, pharmacological and botanical properties must all be considered when classifying a compound as an alkaloid. Their basic character may be due to amino group or nitrogen atom in a heterocyclic system. Broadly, they are considered as true alkaloids, proto alkaloids or pseudo alkaloids (Grayson, 2001).
Papaya effectively treats and improves all types of digestive and abdominal disorders. It is a medicine for dyspepsia, hyperacidity, dysentery and constipation. Papaya helps in the digestion of proteins as it is a rich source of proteolytic enzymes. Even papain-a digestive enzyme found in papaya is extracted, dried as a powder and used as an aid in food digestion. Ripe fruit consumed regularly helps in habitual constipation. It is also reported that papaya prevents premature aging. It may be that it works because a poor digestion does not provide enough nutrients to our body.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Extraction of Alkaloids from Carica Papaya.
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that alkaloids had been reported to have some physiological action on human; many are poisonous. Thus, they are of considerable importance in pharmacology, medicine and toxicology. Hence the need to know the quantity and type of alkaloid present in Carica papaya leaves.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to assess the Extraction of Alkaloids from Carica Papaya. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To extract alkaloids from Carica papaya
- To determine the quantity of alkaloid present in the Carica papaya leaves.
- To recommend solution to people of the need to use Carica papaya leaves as medicine for the treatment of malaria, stroke, as a sliming tea etc.
1.5 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the quantity of alkaloid present in the Carica papaya leaves?
- What is the relevance in utilizing Carica papaya leaves as medicine for the treatment of malaria and stroke?
1.6 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the Extraction of Alkaloids from Carica Papaya.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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