ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF ANTI-DENGUE SECONDARY METABOLITES IN CARICA PAPAYA CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES USING ELICITORS: A REVIEW

Authors

  • M KOUSAR Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • GZ JAHANGIR Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • MZ SALEEM Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • S MANZOOR Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • M AHMAD Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Author
  • J AHMAD Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64013/bbasrjlifess.v2026i1.58

Keywords:

Carica papaya; Dengue virus (DENV); Anti-dengue metabolites; Secondary metabolites; Cell suspension culture; Antiviral phytochemicals; Elicitation

Abstract

Dengue fever is among the most important mosquito-borne viral infections in the world, impacting millions of people each year in tropical and sub-tropical areas. However, with the spread of the disease in the world and the lack of specific antiviral therapy, we need to find new therapeutic methods. Carica papaya L. is a plant that is widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of dengue and is also known for its high content of phytochemical compounds, which is why it has become a potential medicinal plant. This review aims to determine the potential of C. papaya as a source of anti-dengue secondary metabolites and investigate the biotechnological strategies to increase the production of secondary metabolites by using plant cell culture technology. This review covers the taxonomy, botanical characteristics, distribution, and phytochemical makeup of Carica papaya, emphasizing important bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and proteolytic enzymes. It brings into focus several key metabolites, such as quercetin and kaempferol (due to inhibition of viral NS2B-NS3 protease and NS5 polymerase enzymes and their anti-dengue properties) and chlorogenic acid and carpaine (because of anti-dengue action through modulation of the immune system and platelet protection). Additionally, the biology and replication of the dengue virus are also discussed in order to rationalize molecular targets of these compounds. It also reviews the drawbacks of whole plant extraction, and it considers cell suspension cultures of C. papaya as a sustainable approach for metabolite production while paying attention to the use of elicitors like methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, chitosan, and yeast extract for the improvement of the biosynthesis of flavonoids and phenolics. Overall, elicitor-assisted cell culture is a promising methodology for the production of anti-dengue metabolites and the establishment of plant-based antiviral drug development.

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Author Biographies

  • M KOUSAR, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Mphil Scholar 

  • GZ JAHANGIR, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Assistant Professor 

  • MZ SALEEM, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Assistant Professor at University of the Punjab

  • S MANZOOR, Centre for Applied Molecular Biology (CAMB), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

    Assiatant professor at University of the Punjab

  • J AHMAD, Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, MNS University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan

    Seed Science and Technology

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Published

24-06-2026

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Vol. 2026 No. 1 (2026): Volume-5, Issue-1, 2026 (January to December-Current Issue)

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Copyright (c) 2026 M KOUSAR, GZ JAHANGIR, MZ SALEEM, S MANZOOR, M AHMAD (Author)

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How to Cite

KOUSAR, M., JAHANGIR, G., SALEEM, M., MANZOOR, S., AHMAD, M., & AHMAD, J. (2026). ENHANCED PRODUCTION OF ANTI-DENGUE SECONDARY METABOLITES IN CARICA PAPAYA CELL SUSPENSION CULTURES USING ELICITORS: A REVIEW. Journal of Life and Social Sciences, 2026(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.64013/bbasrjlifess.v2026i1.58

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