Carica papaya is an essential medicinal plant having anticancer activities through diverse mechanisms and is not so far thoroughly investigated. In this review, we have summarized the systematic research outputs of different parts of the papaya plant extracts and elaborated the role of its phytochemicals, anticancer activities, therapeutic targets and mechanisms. Several phenolic compounds have been identified from this plant. Of these, Caffeic acid, Quinic acid and Chlorogenic acid show significant properties and act as principal bioactive phytoconstituents among others. We have explored the nutraceutical and functional aspects of Caffeic acid, Quinic acid and Chlorogenic acid along with the new understanding of the mechanism and its action in diverse cancer models. Also, we have highlighted its bioavailability, natural food additive properties and cost-effectiveness.

Keywords: Anticancer activity; Apoptosis.; Bioactive Natural Compounds; Carica papaya; Phenolic acids; Phytoconstituents.