Carica papaya is an evergreen flowering tree that is valued for its buttery fruit that is believed to offer many health benefits. The amazing papaya fruit contains enzymes and compounds that can prevent cancer, aging and can promote a healthier heart.
Papaya is used for preventing and treating gastrointestinal tract disorders, intestinal parasite infections, and as a sedative and diuretic. It is also used for nerve pains (neuralgia) and elephantoid growths. Elephantoid growths are large swollen areas of the body that are symptoms of a rare disorder of the lymphatic system caused by parasitic worms. Papaya contains a chemical called papain, which is commonly used as a meat tenderizer.
Scientific Name: Carica Papaya
Also knows as:
Banane de Prairie, Caricae Papayae Folium, Carica papaya, Carica peltata, Carica posoposa, Chirbhita, Erandachirbhita, Erand Karkati, Green Papaya, Mamaerie, Melonenbaumblaetter, Melon Tree, Papaw, Papaya Fruit, Papayas, Papaye, Papaye Verte, Papayer, Papita, Paw Paw, Pawpaw. Papita, Papeeta, Papiitaa, Melon tree, Papaw, Paw paw
Papaya (Carica papaya) is one of the all year round favorite dessert fruits known for its sweet, juicy, melt on your mouth flesh. Papaya is not only delicious but it is likewise packed with vitamins and minerals that offer many health benefits for the usual papaya lover.
According to Wikipedia, papaya may have probably originated from the tropics of America especially southern Mexico where it was first cultivated and was later propagated in other tropical and sub-tropical countries in the continents of America, Australia, Africa and Asia.
Papaya Description:
The papaya plant which has a semblance of a tree has usually one erect trunk that can grow to about 4 to 7 meters in height. Papaya tree is characterized with large green leaves that have seven to nine deeply palmate lobes with elongated hollow petioles spirally confined at the top of the trunk. Older leaves are shed off as the tree grows to leave scars at the trunk.
Papaya fruits have smooth skin, green while young turning yellow when ripe. Papaya fruit varies in size and shape depending on the variety and type of plant. The common Philippine papaya is usually pear shape about 10 to 40 cm in length upon maturity. Ripe papaya feels soft, the skin has a yellowish color and when opened it has soft orange-yellowish flesh with numerous small black seeds embedded at the hollow center.
| Nutritional value per 100 g (3.5 oz) | |
|---|---|
| Energy | 179 kJ (43 kcal) |
Carbohydrates | 10.82 g |
| Sugars | 7.82 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.7 g |
Fat | 0.26 g |
Protein | 0.47 g |
| Vitamins | Quantity %DV† |
| Vitamin A equiv. beta-Carotene lutein zeaxanthin | 6% 47 μg 3% 274 μg 89 μg |
| Thiamine (B1) | 2% 0.023 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 2% 0.027 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2% 0.357 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 4% 0.191 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 10% 38 μg |
| Vitamin C | 75% 62 mg |
| Vitamin E | 2% 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin K | 2% 2.6 μg |
| Minerals | Quantity %DV† |
| Calcium | 2% 20 mg |
| Iron | 2% 0.25 mg |
| Magnesium | 6% 21 mg |
| Manganese | 2% 0.04 mg |
| Phosphorus | 1% 10 mg |
| Potassium | 4% 182 mg |
| Sodium | 1% 8 mg |
| Zinc | 1% 0.08 mg |
| Other constituents | Quantity |
| Water | 88 g |
| Lycopene | 1828 µg |
Link to USDA Database entry | |
| |
| †Percentages are roughly approximated using US recommendations for adults. Source: USDA FoodData Central | |
Papaya Traditional Health Benefits
Papaya is widely used as folkloric herbal medicine. Papaya is known for the following health benefits:
- Acne and skin infections. Papaya contains Vitamin A which provides a fresh and glowing skin. It is used in Acne control and protects the skin from infections.
- Wound Healing. Papaya helps to speed up the healing of wounds. Papain extracted from the fruit and leaves is also the main ingredient of an ointment popularly used as a topical application for cuts, rashes, stings and burns.
- Anti-aging. Papaya is rich in antioxidants that help defer premature aging. It is widely used in cosmetics as an exfoliant and skin softener and whitener.
- Improves and preserves good vision. The vitamin A-rich papaya helps in preserving good eyesight. It also contains flavonoids and Beta carotene that protects against Macular degeneration.
- Anthelmintic. The compound papain found in the seeds of papaya can destroy and flush out worms from the body. Ingest Papaya seeds with honey 30 minutes before or after a meal.
- Constipation and dyspepsia. Papaya fruit is rich in fiber that improves digestion and softens the bowel movement.
- Colon Cancer. The anti oxidant activity coupled by rich fiber content of papaya fruit helps in absorbing the toxins from the colon that protects the good cells from free radicals and damage. This in turn helps prevent the development of colon cancer.
- Lowers the blood pressure. Papaya fruit contains a good amount of Calcium and Potassium. These minerals are important in regulating the blood pressure and metabolism.
- Prevents atherosclerosis and heart disease. Papaya is rich in vitamins A and vitamin C, well known powerful antioxidants that inhibits the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood and prevents the build-up of plaque along the inner walls of the arteries. Unchecked plaque build-up is the main cause of heart attack or stroke.
- Weight loss. The rich vitamins and minerals of papaya fruit coupled by high fiber content and the low calories makes this an ideal food for weight loss. That is why it is good for Diabetic patients.
- Boosts the immune system. The vitamins,, minerals and compounds found in papaya fruit are known to strengthen the immune system of the body, improving resistance against illness and infections.
- Menstruation and pregnancy. Papaya fruit regulates the menstrual flow and eases the condition in menstrual cramps. It is also used to alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness for pregnant women.
- Abortifacient. Extracts from papaya roots are used to abort an early pregnancy.
- Dengue fever. The papaya leaf juice is used in treating dengue fever. It helps in increasing the platelet count in a dengue patient.
or
- Cancer. Population research has found that eating papaya might prevent gallbladder and colorectal cancers in some people.
- A painful disease is transmitted by mosquitos (dengue fever). Early research shows that taking papaya leaf extract might help people with dengue fever leave the hospital faster. It also seems to help platelet levels return to normal faster. But it’s not clear if papaya leaf helps with other symptoms of dengue fever.
- insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।" data-rx-term="diabetes" data-rx-definition="Diabetes is a condition where blood sugar stays too high because insulin is low or not working well. সহজ বাংলা: রক্তে চিনি বেশি থাকার রোগ।">Diabetes. Early research suggests that consuming fermented papaya fruit can reduce blood sugar levels before and after meals in people with type 2 diabetes.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Early research shows that brushing the teeth twice daily with a toothpaste containing papaya leaf extract, with or without the use of a mouthwash containing papaya leaf extract, seems to improve bleeding of the gums.
- A sexually transmitted infection that can lead to genital warts or cancer (human papillomavirus or HPV). Population research has found that eating papaya fruit at least once per week might reduce the chance of getting a persistent HPV infection compared to never eating papaya fruit.
- A serious gum infection (periodontitis). Early research shows that applying a gel containing fermented papaya into spaces around teeth called periodontal pockets can reduce gum bleeding, plaque, and gum pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation in people with serious gum infections.
- Wound healing. Early research shows that applying a dressing containing papaya fruit to the edges of a reopened surgical wound reduces healing time and length of hospitalization compared to treating the reopened wound with a hydrogen peroxide dressing.
- Aging skin.
- Dengue fever.
- Infection of the intestines by parasites.
- Stomach and intestine problems.
Scientific Studies: Carica Papaya Herbal Medicine
Dengue fever treatment with Carica papaya leaves extracts
An article published in Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine (2011 Aug) reported a study that investigated the potential of Carica papaya leaves extracts against Dengue fever in 45 year old patient bitten by dengue virus carrier mosquitoes. The patient was given a dose of 25 mL of aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves twice daily for five consecutive days. Before the extract administration the blood samples from patient were analyzed. It was noted in the report that the platelet count continuously increased in the duration of the treatment and the condition of the patient dramatically improved. The study suggests that based from the patient’s recovery and blood reports, Carica papaya leaves aqueous extract exhibited potential activity against Dengue fever. Furthermore, the different parts it is recommended that other parts of Carica papaya may be beneficial against viral diseases. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614241/
Carica Papaya may have potential health benefits for blood-related medical problems.
The Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, issue of March 2011, reported a study on the phytochemistry and hematological potential of the ethanol seed, leaf and pulp extract of Carica papaya. In this study, it was identified that the phytochemical contents in the seeds, leaf and pulp of Carica papaya were almost the same but in varying proportions. It was also observed that the phytochemicals found in Carica papaya significantly improved (P<0.05) the production of certain blood parameters in treated albino rats. This study suggests that Carica papaya may have potential health benefits for blood related medical problems. (Source : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21902066)
Carica Papaya may have Anti-diabetic health benefits
The Journal of Natural Product Research, issue of December 2011 reported that a study done in INFORM, Malaysia identified the phytochemicals in Carica papaya that may have anti-diabetic properties. The ethanol extracts of Carica papaya and Pandanus amaryllis were administered to a group of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats to measure its anti-diabetic effects. Results have shown that there was a significant reduction (P<0.05)in the blood glucose level in the Carica papaya treated group in comparison to a control group. Histologically the pancreas of the treated groups indicated significant regeneration of the β-cells and liver tissues indicated a reduction in fatty changes and pyknotic nucleus. Moreover, the kidney tissues of the treated groups indicated a significant recovery in the cuboidal tissue. The study suggests that the phytochemicals found in C. Papaya and P. amaryllis may be responsible for the anti-diabetic health benefits. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21707251)
Carica papaya Health Benefits for Digestive Disorders
In a published report in Neuro Endocrinology Letters 2013, a research was done in Vienna, Austria to verify the folkloric health benefits of Carica papaya for digestive disorders. Clinical trials involving volunteers with chronic (prevailing) indigestions and dysfunctions in the gastrointestinal tract were given papaya preparation (Caracol). They were compared to a control group given a placebo. Results have shown that there was a significant improvement in the symptoms of “indigestion” and “bloating” for those under the papaya preparation as compared to the control group. The study concludes that papaya preparation (Caricol®) contributes to the maintenance of digestive tract physiology. It ameliorates various functional disturbances, like symptoms of IBS. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23524622)
Papaya and Pregnancy: Safety and Side Effects
The British Journal of Nutrition, August 2002. published a study done in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University, Singapore on the common belief of some Asian communities that eating papaya can be unsafe for pregnant women. In a laboratory experiment, the effects of ripe papaya blend (500 ml/l water) and papaya crude latex to the uteri of pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats was compared to a control group given with water only. Results have shown that ripe papaya has no adverse or noticeable side effects, while the crude latex induced spasmodic contraction of the uterine muscles. The study suggests that normal consumption of ripe papaya during pregnancy may not pose any significant danger. However, the unripe or semi-ripe papaya (which contains high concentration of the latex that produces marked uterine contractions) could be unsafe in pregnancy. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12144723)
Antihelminthic and Anti-amoebic Health Benefits from Carica Papaya Seeds
In the Journal of Medicinal Food, March 2007, an article has been written about a study done on the effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis. The study was done in the College of Health Sciences, Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria., where 60 children with evidence of intestinal parasites were given either dried seeds of Carica papaya mixed with honey or honey alone. 76.7% of those who were given honey mixed with dried seeds of papaya were cleared of parasites after 7 days while 16.7% of those who took honey alone. This study concludes that air-dried C. papaya seeds are efficacious in treating human intestinal parasites and without significant side effects. (Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17472487)
Anti-cancer and Immunomodulatory Health Benefits of Carica Papaya
A study done in the Institute of Medical Science in The University of Tokyo, Japan, reported that aqueous solution of Carica papaya leaf extract have significant growth inhibitory activity on tumor cell lines. The study further suggests that Carica papaya leaf extract may potentially provide the means for the treatment and prevention of selected human diseases such as cancer, various allergic disorders, and may also serve as immunoadjuvant for vaccine therapy. (Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, February 2010: Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibits anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory effects)
Antibacterial and Wound Healing Health Benefits of Carica Papaya fruit Seeds.
The West Indian Medical Journal, December 2003, published an article on the antibacterial activity of Carica papaya fruit extract against common wound organisms . The study was done in The University of the West Indies, Kingston 7, Jamaica, where the seed extracts from the fruit showed inhibition of bacterial activity against B cereus, E coli, S faecalis, S aureus, P vulgaris and S flexneri. This study suggests that Carica papaya has antibacterial effects that could be useful in treating chronic skin ulcers to promote healing.
Papaya Usage, Dosage
Where can I buy/get Papaya?
Carica Papaya tree can be found almost everywhere. You can check with your local horticulturist for seeds or small trees for personal cultivation. The papaya fruit is largely available in most fruit stands, grocery stores and supermarkets.
To buy ripe ready to eat Papaya, select those that are slightly soft, have no sunken dark spots, and have no cracks. Select Papayas that have a slight neck shape as these are better since they are probably tree-ripened.
Papaya fruits, roots and leaves extracts and other herbal medicine preparations can also be fought from reputable health stores. Online, Amazon listed American Health Multi-Enzyme Plus, Super Papaya.
How to use Papaya herbal medicine?
- Papaya fruit. The fruit has a sweet and soft pulp that is best eaten when ripe or as mixed is salads. The young papaya fruit is also considered a vegetable used in cooking.
- Papaya leaves. Fresh papaya leaves can be pounded or chewed and consumed by mouth. The maximum dosage is two tablespoons per day.
- Papaya tea from roots, flowers and leaves. The papaya decoction or tea can be prepared by chopping the roots, flowers and leaves then boiled in water (see below). Papaya tea decoction is taken twice to three times a day.
- Papaya poultice. Fresh papaya leaves can be pounded and applied directly to the affected area.
- Papaya seeds. Used as a purgative, a spoonful of seeds is taken three times before meals.
- Papaya latex. The latex from the young papaya fruit is applied directly to the affected area. Used to stop bleeding, treat wounds and avoid infections.
Papaya Tea Preparation
- wash freshly gathered Papaya plant parts
- chop then add in 4 cups of water for every 1 cup
- let it boil for 10 to 15 minutes with the pot cover removed.
- Let it steep then tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।" data-rx-term="strain" data-rx-definition="A strain is injury to a muscle or tendon. সহজ বাংলা: মাংসপেশি/টেনডনে টান।">strain.
- Drink half a cup of Papaya tea three times a day.
- Papaya tea concoction can be stored in a suitable glass container for later consumption.
Dried leaves are more potent. Reduce the blend by half.
DOSING
The appropriate dose of papaya for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for papaya. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Papaya Use, Warnings, and Side Effects
- Generally safe in moderate consumption. Ripe papaya fruit does not have any serious side effects at moderate consumption even for pregnant mothers and young children.
- May cause skin coloration. Ripe papaya just like carrots contains carotene which may turn the palms and soles yellowish when consumed at large amount but this does not impose any health danger.
- Overdosage can be poisonous. The leaves and roots of Carica papaya contain cyanogenic glucosides which form into cyanide, while the leaves contain tannins. These two compounds may have adverse side effects when taken at large concentrations.
- Pregnancy and fertility side effects. In animal studies, aqueous extracts of Carica papaya can cause temporary infertility and irregular oestrous cycles that is reversible when treatment was stopped. Extracts of papain found in Carica papaya were also found to induce abortion after conception by dissolving the protein needed by the newly fertilized egg to adhere to the uterus wall. The abortifacient property is a matter of high dose side effect of Carica papaya toxicity which affects the fetus.
- Breast feeding. There are no sufficient studies made to determine the side effects of Carica Papaya taken in medicinal amounts to infants and babies. Stay on the safe side, avoid taking Papaya in herbal medicine dosage while breastfeeding.
- Diabetes: Papaya that has been fermented can lower blood sugar. People with diabetes who are taking medications to lower their blood sugar should pay close attention to their blood sugar as adjustments to medications might be needed.
- Low blood sugar: Papaya that has been fermented can lower blood sugar. Taking this form of papaya might make blood sugar too low in people who already have low blood sugar.
- Papain allergy: Papaya contains papain. If you are allergic to papain, avoid eating papaya or taking products that contain papaya.
- Latex allergy: If you are allergic to latex, there is a good chance you are also allergic to papaya. If you have a latex allergy, avoid eating papaya or taking products that contain papaya.
- Surgery: Papaya that has been fermented can lower blood sugar. In theory, this form of papaya might affect blood sugar during and after surgery. If you are taking papaya, you should stop 2 weeks before surgery.
- Allergies. In rare cases, the herb has caused allergic reaction as side effect.
INTERACTIONS
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider. Papaya that has been fermented might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking fermented papaya along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others. Be cautious with this combination.
- Amiodarone (Cordarone) – Taking multiple doses of papaya extract by mouth along with amiodarone (Cordarone, Nexterone, Pacerone) might increase the amount of amiodarone to which the body is exposed. This might increase the effects and adverse effects of amiodarone. However, taking a single dose of papaya extract along with amiodarone does not seem to have an effect.
- Levothyroxine (Synthroid, others) – Levothyroxine is used for low thyroid function. Eating large amounts of papaya seems to decrease the thyroid. Excessive use of papaya along with levothyroxine might decrease the effects of levothyroxine. Some brands that contain levothyroxine include Armour Thyroid, Eltroxin, Eostre, Euthyrox, Levo-T, Levothroid, Levoxyl, Synthroid, Unithroid, and others.
- Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) – Papaya that has been fermented might decrease blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking fermented papaya along with diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed. Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others
- Warfarin (Coumadin) – is used to slow blood clotting. Papaya might increase the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and increase the chances of bruising and bleeding. Be sure to have your blood checked regularly. The dose of your warfarin (Coumadin) might need to be changed.
Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar papaya – that has been fermented might lower blood sugar. Using fermented papaya along with other herbs and supplements that have the same effect might cause blood sugar to drop too low in some people. Some of these products include devil’s claw, fenugreek, guar gum, Panax ginseng, Siberian ginseng, and others.
Papain – Papaya contains papain. Using papain (in meat tenderizer, for example) along with papaya might increase your chance of experiencing unwanted side effects of papain.
References
