The present study optimized the extraction protocol conditions to obtain the antioxidant-rich bioactive extracts from Carica papaya L. (Papaya) leaves. A Box and Behnken Design (BBD) consisting of three different extracting variables viz. extracting temperature (60-70°C), time (10-20 min) and solvent concentration (55-65%) was used. Antioxidant efficacy was recorded by evaluating four responses viz. ABTS, DPPH, SASA and total phenolic contents. The optimized model predicted, solvent concentration of 60% with extraction time of 15 min and extracting temperature of 65°C with bioactiverich antioxidants having highest total phenolic activity. The efficacy of obtained bioactive-rich papaya leaves extracts (PLE) were subjected for in-vivo evaluation in chevon emulsion added with the level of T-1 (0.10%); T-2 (0.25%); T-3 (0.50%) and control (without extract) stored under refrigeration (4 ± 1°C) for 9 days by evaluating various physicochemical, microbiological, sensory quality characteristics. The pH was significantly higher for control than all treatments and water activity (a w) showed decreasing trend throughout storage period. Oxidation efficiency values showed an increasing drift during storage period, irrespective of added level of PLE, showing lowest oxidation in samples treated with 0.5% PLE. Sensory panellists awarded comparatively higher scores to all PLE treatments than control. Microbiological quality of emulsion incorporated with different levels of papaya leaves extract successfully improved and was lower in 0.5% PLE treated samples. It was concluded that extraction of bioactive antioxidants from Carica papaya L. leaves improved by optimising extraction parameters using RSM. Carica papaya L. leaves extracts have proven prospects as natural anti-oxidants in chevon emulsion as a meat emulsion system.

Purpose This paper aims to highlight the candidature of papaya/Carica papaya L. extracts (PLE) and oregano/Origanum vulgare leaves extract (OLE) as novel natural antioxidants, which was further fortified into goat meat nuggets to evaluate quality changes and storage stability at refrigeration temperature (4 ± 1ºC) for 20 days. Design/methodology/approach Three different products, namely, control (without phyto-extracts), T−1: PLE (0.5 per cent) and T-2: OLE (1.0 per cent) fortified goat meat nuggets, were prepared and subjected for various quality attributes with relation to storage stability. Findings It was observed that pH significantly (p = 0.14) decreased till 10th day of storage i.e. from 6.49 to 6.32 (control), 6.37 to 6.28 (T−1) and 6.45 to 6.43 (T-2) afterword showed increasing trend till further storage of 20 days in control, as well as treated products. Water activity was non-significant (p = 0.01) on first day of storage and decreased up to 20th day. PLE treated product showed good margin of microbiological protection followed by OLE and least was found in control. L* value showed increasing trend (p = 0.03) throughout storage and ranged from 50.15 to 54.27, while a* values were decreased significantly from 10.36 to 9.06, 10.86 to 9.49 in PLE (p = 0.02) and OLE (p = 0.03), respectively. Sensory panel awarded the highest score for fortified goat meat nuggets, justifying the best quality attributes in term of texture attributes of the treated products. Thus, papaya and oregano leave extracts proved in the extension of shelf life and can be further harvested to develop functional goat meat nuggets. Research limitations/implications In search of novel bioactive phyto-extract, meat industry focussed most of the research towards natural anti-oxidants. In the view of same, the present research strategy was planned to examine candidature of Carica papaya L. and OLEs as novel natural antioxidant into meat system during aerobic packaging storage. Goat meat nuggets are amongst the most convenient and famous snack, as well as nutritious meat products, but lacks functional properties. Therefore, with implication of present research at practical level, meat industry can develop function goat meat nuggets by incorporating Carica papaya L. and Origanum vulgare extracts as natural and novel bioactive antioxidants with improved functionality. Originality/value This is the first attempt to develop functional goat meat nuggets incorporated with papaya/Carica papaya L. and oregano/OLE. This research can lead to be a pioneer work in meat science.

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