This study addressed the use of papaya seeds (Vasconcellea pubescens) as a source of bioactive compounds
by using different types of assisted extractions such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHPE), ultrasound
(UAE) and conventional (CE) extractions. The results showed that HHPE was more effective
than UAE and CE in extracting bioactive compounds and had a shorter extraction time. A high correlation
between the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content indicated that phenolic compounds could
be the main source of antioxidant activity in this seed. Fatty acids were identified and quantified; oleic
(n-9) and linoleic (n-6) acids were the major acids in papaya seeds. Thus, HHPE and UAE provided
effective methods for bio-compound extraction from Chilean papaya seeds and could have potential
benefits for the cosmetic, food or pharmaceutical industries.