Carica papaya
Synonyms
No documentation
Vernacular Name
Big Melon, Pawpaw, Papaya
Description
Carica papaya has a long history of use as a food and as a medicinal agent. The fruit is used both green and ripened. There are two types of C. papaya referred to as either Mexican Papaya or Hawaiian Papaya with the Mexican Papaya being a much larger plant which produces a larger fruit. In addition to the use of the fruit, the stems and bark are used for making rope.
C. papaya contains four enzymes including papain, chymopapain, glycyl endopeptidase and caricain. These enzymes occur in the entire papaya plant and are inactive precursors that become active within two minutes of the plant being wounded and the latex expelled. Papain, similar to the animal enzyme pepsin, is used commercially as a digestive enzyme, meat tenderizer, contained in contact lens cleansers, dentifrices, and cosmetics, contained in topical preparations for would healing, and also used to clarify beer.
C. papaya is grows from 8 feet in Hawaii, to 15 feet in South America. The plant develops branches only in response to an injury. The leaves grow from the upper part of the large stem in a circular or spiral pattern. The leaves last for a few months and leave scarring on the trunk when they drop. The plant produces five-petalled flowers that may be either male or female depending upon climate and response to climate changes with an unclear method of pollination. The fruits of the C. papaya range in size depending upon region and growth conditions and weigh between one and eight pounds. Both fruit and seeds are edible.
Origin / Habitat
C. papaya is native to the South American tropics including Puerto Rico and southern Mexico. Presently it is cultivated in all global regions that have a tropical climate that matches the needs of the plant. The plant cannot survive even the lightest frost and must have the heat of direct sunlight as well as reflected sunlight. The habitat requirements limit the native growth to those areas mentioned, though greenhouse cultivation where soil temperature and moisture are controlled makes it suitable for growing indoors. The plant is short-lived and fast growing.[1]
Chemical Constituents
Proteolytic enzymes, including papain, chymopapain, glycyl endopeptidase and carpaine;
Vitamin C and beta-carotene;
Lycopene
The fruit also contains fat (including omega-3 fatty acids), potassium, choline, folate and vitamin E. Unripe, green papaya fruit seems to contain the most beneficial phytochemicals.[2],[3],[4],[5]
Plant Part Used
Medical Uses
General
Food source
Digestive enzyme
Topically for wound healing
Antioxidant
Topically for pain relief
Inflammatory conditions
Intestinal parasites
Blood sugar regulation
Immune support
GI ulcers
Male Contraception
Most Frequently Reported Uses
Food source
Digestive enzyme
Topically for wound healing
Antioxidant
Dosage
Dosage Range
As digestive enzyme:
For GI ulcers:
1-2 tsps (5-10gm) of dried C. papaya leaves in a cup of hot water. Drink 2-3 times daily.
Fermented C. papaya extract (antioxidant, immune support)
Take 6-9 grams daily in divided doses of a fermented C. papaya extract (FPP). If taking for immune support, start with 6-9 grams a day for the first 2-3 days (such as at the beginning of symptoms of a cold) and then decrease to 3 grams daily for 2-3 weeks.
Topically for wounds
C. papaya fruit is mashed and applied daily to full thickness and infected burns. There are pharmaceutical products for topical wound application (isolated papain usually combined with urea).
Most Common Dosage
There is no common dosage for C. papaya due to the variety of preparations in use.
Standardized to
No standardization known.
Pharmacology
Pre-clinical
In an in-vitro laboratory study, the fermented papaya preparation (FPP) was found to have antioxidant activity that increased cell viability and decreased the intracellular, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation such as hydroxyl free radical and superoxide anion and nitric oxide (NO) accumulation in brain cells. The results also reported that FPP prevented brain cell apoptosis through bax/bcl-2 sensitive pathway.[6]
The orange-pink color of C. papaya is indicative of carotenoids, which are well known antioxidant and cancer-fighting constituents.[7] C. papaya contains not only the antioxidant beta carotene, but lycopene. Lycopene (also found in tomatoes) is an important antioxidant, and has been reported to protect the body against various cancers, improve prostate health and cholesterol imbalances.[8]
C. papaya is well known traditionally to be effective as an antiparasitic food. An in vitro study found that a C. papaya extract caused marked damage to the cuticle of H. polygyrus adult male and female worms, reflected in the loss of surface cuticular layers. Efficacy was comparable for both sexes of worms, was dependent on the presence of cysteine and was completely inhibited by the cysteine proteinase inhibitor, E-64.[9]
Papain is available in topical preparations as an enzymatic debridement for necrotic tissue in burns, ulcers, and other wounds. Animals studies have found that treatment with a preparation of C. papaya accelerated wound healing and reduced the severity of local inflammation in rats with burn wounds.[10] This effect is believe to be related to an increase in the effectiveness of intracellular bacterial killing by tissue phagocytes due to the inhibition of bacterial catalase, and antioxidant activity, which decreases the risk of oxidative damage to tissues.
A laboratory study found that C. papaya seed extracts had anti-bacterial activity that inhibits growth of gram-positive and gram-negative organisms.[11]
C. papaya seed extract has been reported to have immunomodulatory properties in laboratory in vitro studies. A study found that: (1) the crude C. papaya seed extract significantly enhanced the phytohemagglutinin responsiveness of lymphocytes; (2) the C. papaya seed extract was able to significantly inhibit the classical complement-mediated hemolytic pathway.[12] The authors concluded that their findings provide evidence for immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory actions of C. papaya seed extract.
Traditional uses of C. papaya seed includes as a contraceptive. Laboratory studies since the 1970s have been studying C. papaya seed extract as a contraceptive agent.[13] When the crude extract of C. papaya seeds are fed to male rats, the quantity and quality of the sperm they produced deteriorated.[14] The mechanism of contraception was shown by reduction in nuclear and cytoplasmic volume, normal nuclear characteristics and vacuolization in the cytoplasmic organelles of the Sertoli cells, as well as nuclear degeneration in spermatocytes and spermatids indicating disturbed spermatogenesis.[15]
Clinical
C. papaya contains antioxidant phytochemicals, such as vitamin C, vitamin A and lycopene.[16],[17] In a small double-blind, placebo controlled study, a fermented extract of C. papaya (9 grams daily) was administered for 3 months to 54 elderly patients without major diseases. The fermented C. papaya preparation (FPP) supplemented group showed a significant enhancement of the individual’s antioxidant defense system.[18],[19]
Papaya’s blood sugar regulatory properties are based, in part, on its antioxidant capacity. A fermented papaya preparation (FPP) was administered to 50 individuals, 25 healthy and 25 with type-2 diabetes mellitus under treatment with oral hypoglycemics. All subjects were given 3 grams of FPP daily, during lunch, for two months. FPP induced a significant decrease in plasma sugar levels in both healthy subjects and type 2 diabetic patients. Patients were able to reduce the dosage of their antidiabetic oral therapy.[20]
A clinical observation found that mashed C. papaya pulp applied daily to full thickness and infected burns appears to be effective in desloughing necrotic tissue, preventing burn wound infection, and providing a granulating wound suitable for the application of a split thickness skin graft. Possible mechanisms of action include the activity of proteolytic enzymes chymopapain and papain, as well as an antimicrobial activity, although further studies are required.[21]
A specific purified fraction, chymopapain, is approved for chemonucleosis (the treatment of herniated intervertebral discs by injection). However, due to allergic and other adverse reactions, this extract of C. papaya enzymes is not routinely used medically. A study found that proteolytic enzymes found in C. papaya, decreased pain (up to 85%) after injection into the lumbar intervertebral disc of 80 patients suffering from intractable root pain due to herniated discs.[22]
Interaction and Depletions
Interaction with other Herbs
No documentation
Interaction with Drugs
Based on pharmacology, C. papaya may increase the absorption of iron. Use with caution if taking iron supplement or are predisposed to prostate problems.[24]
Based on pharmacology, use with caution in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin).
Precautions and Contraindications
Side effects
C. papaya and the enzyme papain have been reported safe in recommended doses. Papain should be used with caution in those taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Discontinue if allergy occurs.
If you are male with prostate dysfunction, such as BPH or prostate cancer, do not use C. papaya as a medicinal agent due to an increase in iron absorption. Excess iron may increase oxidative stress, especially in the aging male. Iron overload may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.[25]
Pregnancy
If trying to get pregnant, do not take C. papaya supplements. Do not use in pregnancy as C. papaya seed may have abortifacient effects.[23]
Age limitation
No documentation
Adverse reaction
No documentation
Read More
References
- California Rare Fruit Growers Association Website. Available from: http://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/papaya.html . [Accessed on 24 September 2009].
- Looze Y, Boussard P, Huet J, Vandenbussche G, Raussens V, Wintjens R. Purification and characterization of a wound-inducible thaumatin-like protein from the latex of Carica papaya. Phytochemistry. May2009;70(8):970-978.
- Azarkan M, Wintjens R, Looze Y, et al. Detection of three wound-induced proteins in papaya latex. Phytochemistry. Mar2004;65(5):525-534.
- Gouado I, Schweigert FJ, Ejoh RA, Tchouanguep MF, Camp JV. Systemic levels of carotenoids from mangoes and papaya consumed in three forms (juice, fresh and dry slice). Eur J Clin Nutr. Oct2007;61(10):1180-1188.
- Anuar NS, Zahari SS, Taib IA, Rahman MT. Effect of green and ripe Carica papaya epicarp extracts on wound healing and during pregnancy. Food Chem Toxicol. Jul2008;46(7):2384-2389.
- Zhang J, Mori A, Chen Q, Zhao B. Fermented papaya preparation attenuates beta-amyloid precursor protein: beta-amyloid-mediated copper neurotoxicity in beta-amyloid precursor protein and beta-amyloid precursor protein Swedish mutation overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells. Neuroscience. 17Nov2006;143(1):63-72.
- Toniolo P, Van Kappel AL, Akhmedkhanov A, et al. Serum carotenoids and breast cancer. Am J Epidemiol. Jun2001;153(12):1142-1147.
- Giovannucci E. Tomatoes, Tomato-based Products, Lycopene, and Cancer: Review of the Epidemiologic Literature. J Natl Cancer Inst. Feb1999;91(4):317-331.
- Stepek G, Buttle DJ, Duce IR, Lowe A, Behnke JM. Assessment of the anthelmintic effect of natural plant cysteine proteinases against the gastrointestinal nematode, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, in vitro. Parasitology. Feb2005;130(Pt 2):203-211.
- Mikhal’chik EV, Ivanova AV, Anurov MV, et al. Wound-healing effect of papaya-based preparation in experimental thermal trauma. Bull Exp Biol Med. Jun2004;137(6):560-562.
- Dawkins G, Hewitt H, Wint Y, Obiefuna PC, Wint B. Antibacterial effects of Carica papaya fruit on common wound organisms. West Indian Med J. Dec2003;52(4):290-292.
- Mojica-Henshaw MP, Francisco AD, De Guzman F, Tigno XT. Possible immunomodulatory actions of Carica papaya seed extract. Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2003;29(3-4):219-229.
- Lohiya NK, Mishra PK, Pathak N, et al. Efficacy trial on the purified compounds of the seeds of Carica papaya for male contraception in albino rat. Reproductive Toxicology. 2005;20(1): 135-148.
- Lohiya NK, Kothari LK, Manivannan B, Mishra PK, Pathak N. Human sperm immobilization effect of Carica papaya seed extracts: an in vitro study. Asian J Androl. Jun2000;2(2):103-109.
- Manivannan B, Mittal R, Goyal S, Ansari AS, Lohiya NK. Sperm characteristics and ultrastructure of testes of rats after long-term treatment with the methanol subfraction of Carica papaya seeds.Asian J Androl. Sep2009;11(5):583-599.
- Aruoma OI, Colognato R, Fontana I, et al. Molecular effects of fermented papaya preparation on oxidative damage, MAP Kinase activation and modulation of the benzo[a]pyrene mediated genotoxicity. Biofactors. 2006;26(2):147-159.
- Amer J, Goldfarb A, Rachmilewitz EA, Fibach E. Fermented papaya preparation as redox regulator in blood cells of beta-thalassemic mice and patients. Phytother Res. Jun2008;22(6):820-828.
- Marotta F, Weksler M, Naito Y, Yoshida C, Yoshioka M, Marandola P. Nutraceutical supplementation: effect of a fermented papaya preparation on redox status and DNA damage in healthy elderly individuals and relationship with GSTM1 genotype: a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Ann N Y Acad Sci. May2006;1067:400-407.
- Osata JA, Santiago LA, Mori A, et al. Antioxidant defences of Immunge. Magn Reson Med 1995;6:306-308.
- Danese C, Esposito D, D’Alfonso V, Cirene M, Ambrosino M, Colotto M. Plasma glucose level decreases as collateral effect of fermented papaya preparation use. Clin Ter. May-Jun2006;157(3):195-198.
- Starley IF, Mohammed P, Schneider G, Bickler SW. The treatment of paediatric burns using topical papaya. Burns. Nov1999;25(7):636-639.
- Troisier O, Gozlan E, Durey A, Rodineau J, Gounot-Halbout MC, Pelleray B. [The treatment of lumbosciatica by intra-discal injection of proteolytic enzymes (nucleolysis). 80 cases (author’s transl)] Nouv Presse Med. 19Jan1980;9(4):227-230.
- Oderinde O, Noronha C, Oremosu A, Kusemiju T, Okanlawon OA. Abortifacient properties of aqueous extract of Carica papaya (Linn) seeds on female Sprague-Dawley rats. Niger Postgrad Med J. Jun 2002;9(2):95-98.
- Ballot D, Baynes RD, Bothwell TH, et al. The effects of fruit juices and fruits on the absorption of iron from a rice meal. Br J Nutr. May1987;57(3):331-343.
- Choi Ji-Y, Choi, Neuhouser ML, Barnett MJ, et al. Iron intake, oxidative stress-related genes (MnSOD and MPO) and prostate cancer risk in CARET cohort. Carcinogenesis. 2008. 29(5):964-970.
