Carica Papaya Flower Extracts Possess Antioxidant and 5α-Reductase Inhibitory Activities

The study investigated the effects of various extracts of Carica papaya flower on hair loss-related biological activities, including 5α-reductase inhibition and antioxidation. The flowers were macerated with ethanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane to obtain crude extracts, which were then subjected to antioxidant tests and 5α-reductase inhibition tests. The ethyl acetate extract showed significantly higher antioxidant activity and 5α-reductase inhibitory activity compared to the other extracts. It also had the highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents. Forty-nine compounds were found in the ethyl acetate extract, with seven identified as potentially beneficial for hair growth. The results suggest that local C. papaya flowers could be a source of hair growth-promoting agents due to their antioxidant and 5α-reductase inhibitory potential.