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An unusual combination in papaya ( Carica papaya): the good (glucosinolates) and the bad (cyanogenic glycosides)

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Williams, D., Pun, S., Chaliha, M., Scheelings, P. and O'Hare, T.J. (2013) An unusual combination in papaya ( Carica papaya): the good (glucosinolates) and the bad (cyanogenic glycosides). Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 29 (1). pp. 82-86. ISSN 0889-1575

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Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2012.06.007

Abstract

Glucosinolates are a group of sulphur-containing glycosides found in the plant order Brassicales which includes the Brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. When brought into contact with the plant enzymes, myrosinases, the glucosinolates break down releasing glucose and other products which serve principally in plant defence against herbivores. The most important of the products from a human nutritional viewpoint, are the isothiocyanates. These potent inducers of detoxifying enzymes bestow the distinct anti-cancer properties on these plants. Unique among tropical fruits, papaya is known to contain an abundance of one particular glucosinolate, glucotropaeolin. Other compounds that play a pivotal role in the chemical defence system of many plants are the cyanogenic glycosides. Cyanogenic glycosides are activated by plant enzymes in the event of pest attack, releasing the deterrent: toxic hydrogen cyanide. Papaya, in addition to glucosinolates, also contains low levels of cyanogenic glycosides, an unusual occurrence because it was assumed that the two classes of metabolites were mutually exclusive. Studies measuring the levels of both in the edible parts of the papaya fruit and other utilised tissues are discussed and considered in the context of potential human health ramifications. All rights reserved, Elsevier.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Crop and Food Science
Keywords:Fruits, vegetables and nuts : Other fruits antitumour activity cyanides cyanogenic glycosides food safety plant foods glucosinolates glycosides health papayas reviews
Subjects:Plant culture > Fruit and fruit culture
Live Archive:28 Aug 2014 03:26
Last Modified:01 Dec 2022 04:52

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