Papaya

Common names: Papaya also is known as pawpaw and melon tree.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Papaya?

Papaya grow as small trees in the Americas and Africa. The common name pawpaw is sometimes also given to an unrelated plant Asimina triloba. The papaya produces large leaves and smooth-skinned edible melons.

What is Papaya used for?

C. papaya is cultivated for its milky juice or latex (obtained from the fruit), which is the source of the proteolytic enzyme papain. The fruits are eaten fresh and are also the source of a flavoring used in candies and ice cream. Shallow cuts on the surface of fully grown but unripe fruits cause the exudation of a milky sap that is collected, dried, and termed crude papain. Papain has been used widely in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders, particularly those associated with the ingestion of protein-rich foods. Teas brewed from fermented papaya leaves are said to produce a richer mixture of proteolytic enzymes than teas from fresh leaves. Papain has been used as a vermifuge (evacuation of intestinal parasitic worms), and as a component of facial creams to soften skin. Papain is sold commercially as a meat tenderizer.

Papain, also known as vegetable pepsin, is found not only in the fruit latex, but also in the leaves. Papain is a mixture of protein-degrading enzymes. Chymopapain is very similar to papain in the spectrum of its proteolytic activity, although it is less potent with respect to protein degradation.

Papaya has been used in patients with herniated discs. In the early 1980s, chymopapain was approved for intradiscal injection in patients with documented herniated lumbar intervertebral discs who had not responded to conservative therapy. This procedure is effective but remains the focus of controversy, particularly regarding the safety of the administration of the enzyme.

Papaya is used in preparations to control edema and inflammation associated with surgical or accidental trauma. Very limited information is available to support these uses.

What is the dosage of Papaya?

There is no clinical evidence to support specific doses of papaya leaves. The fruit has GRAS status as a foodstuff.

Is Papaya safe?

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use.

None well documented.

Enzymes related to papaya have been associated with perforation of the esophagus, severe gastritis, paralysis, decreased heart rate and CNS activity, and may inhibit some amebicidal activity.

An early report suggested that papain was toxic to the embryos and fetuses of rats. Avoid consumption of semi-ripe and unripened papaya during pregnancy.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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