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Medicinal plants have played an essential role in healthcare systems across the world for centuries, serving as the foundation of both traditional and modern medicine.(1) Among these, Curcuma longa (commonly known as turmeric) and Carica papaya (papaya) have emerged as two highly regarded botanicals due to their rich phytochemical profiles and broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. This review explores the therapeutic potential of these two plants by examining their phytochemical constituents, mechanisms of action, and evidence-based pharmacological properties. The aim is to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and scientific validation, providing a comprehensive understanding of their medicinal relevance. Curcuma longa, a rhizomatous herb of the Zingiberaceae family, is native to South and Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for its culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal properties. Its key bioactive constituent, curcumin, along with demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, are collectively referred to as curcuminoids. These compounds have been extensively studied for their potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. Curcumin, in particular, acts by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-?B), downregulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS).(2) Despite its promising therapeutic efficacy, curcumin's clinical utility is limited by its low bioavailability, leading to research into improved delivery systems and synthetic analogues.(3) Carica papaya, a fast-growing tropical plant belonging to the Caricaceae family, is commonly cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its nutritional and medicinal value. Various parts of the plant--including the fruit, seeds, leaves, and latex--have been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions such as digestive issues, fever, skin infections, and inflammatory diseases.(4) The primary bioactive compounds in papaya include papain, chymopapain, carpaine, flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol), phenolic acids, and carotenoids (like lycopene and ?-carotene). These compounds exert antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects through multiple mechanisms, including free radical scavenging, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and modulation of immune responses.(5) This review compares the mechanisms of action of the antioxidant properties of both plants. Curcuma longa primarily enhances the body's endogenous antioxidant defence by upregulating enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and by chelating metal ions that catalyse free radical production. In contrast, Carica papaya offers a wide range of direct antioxidant activities through its vitamins and carotenoids, which protect cellular structures such as DNA, lipids, and proteins from oxidative stress. The identification and authentication of both plants are critical in ensuring quality control in medicinal applications. Techniques such as morphological and microscopic analysis, phytochemical screening, and molecular authentication