Papaya

Papaya is a plant whose leaves are used to make medicine.

Papaya is used to prevent and treat disorders of the digestive tract, infections with intestinal parasites and as a sedative and diuretic. Papaya is also used to treat nerve pain and elephantiasis. Elephantiasis is a condition characterized by 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 used as a meat tenderizer.

How does papaya work?

Papaya contains a chemical called papain. Papain breaks down proteins, carbohydrates and fats. For this reason, it also acts as a meat tenderizer. However, papain is altered by the digestive juices, which is why there are doubts that it is effective as a medicine when taken orally. Papaya also contains a chemical called carpain. Carpain appears to be able to kill certain parasites and may affect the central nervous system.

How effective is papaya?

There is not enough scientific data to say how effective papaya is for digestive tract problems and parasitic infections. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of papaya in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Papaya products appear to be safe and harmless for most people when used in small amounts. Papaya products should not be taken orally in large quantities as they may damage the esophagus. Applying papaya products to the skin can cause serious skin irritation and allergies in some people.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Pregnant women should not take papaya products in medicinal quantities. There is evidence that unprocessed papain, one of the chemicals found in papaya, could poison the fetus in utero or cause birth defects. Not enough is known about the safety of using papaya products while breastfeeding. It is therefore best to avoid larger than normal amounts.

Papain allergy: Papaya contains papain. If you are allergic to papain, you should refrain from eating papaya and from taking products containing papaya.

Latex allergy: If you are allergic to latex, there is an increased likelihood that you are also allergic to papaya. If you are allergic to latex, you should refrain from eating papaya and from taking products containing papaya.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of papaya products depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for different papaya products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

1. Blanco C, Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, et al. Class I chitinases as potential panallergens involved in the latex-fruit syndrome. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;103(3 Pt 1):507-13.
2. Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, et al. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:681-7.