POTENCIAL ANTIFÚNGICO IN VITRO DO ÓLEO EXTRAÍDO DE SEMENTES DE MAMÃO (CARICA PAPAYA L.) SOBRE O CRESCIMENTO DE CANDIDA ALBICANS

Abstract

Introduction: The search for natural and sustainable therapies has gained increasing prominence in current scientific production, especially in the context of women's health. Given the rise in pathogenic microorganism resistance to traditional antifungals, as well as the side effects associated with these medications, there is a pressing need to investigate therapeutic alternatives that combine efficacy, safety, and accessibility. In this scenario, natural products of plant origin emerge as promising sources of bioactive compounds with pharmacological potential. By proposing the valorization of a by-product as a potential therapeutic agent, this research seeks to contribute to the development of new strategies for women's healthcare, focusing on the treatment of clinically relevant fungal infections, such as candidiasis. Thus, the proposal integrates environmental sustainability with scientific innovation, aiming at promoting quality of life and strengthening public health actions. Objective: To analyze the in vitro antifungal activity of the oil obtained from papaya seeds (Carica papaya L.), Formosa group, which are generally discarded as waste by the food industry. Method: Papaya seeds were dehydrated to obtain the flour, and subsequent oil extraction was performed using hexane. The antifungal activity was tested in vitro against Candida albicans by disk diffusion, using different concentrations of the oil. The plates were incubated for five days, and the inhibition halos were measured. For the purpose of comparing results, an in vitro test was conducted for comparison with commercial antifungals. Results: The papaya seed oil cv. Formosa showed antifungal action against Candida albicans, with increasing inhibition halos starting at 2% (1.0 mm), 5% (5.0 mm), 10% (13.0 mm), and pure oil (17.0 mm). The results differed statistically from each other (Tukey's test, $p<0.05$), with the highest inhibition observed in the pure oil. Conclusion: The study points to papaya seed oil as a natural alternative in combating Candida spp., suggesting therapeutic potential. It highlights the importance of future in vivo trials. It reinforces the relevance for Nursing in the development of innovative, accessible, and evidence-based care.