WITH THE exception of infertility, there does not appear to be any adverse reactions from the consumption of Carica papaya fruit, latex, or extracts. However, the leaves and roots of Carica papaya contain cyangenic glucosides which form cyanide. The leaves also contain tannins. Both of these compounds, at high concentrations, can cause adverse reactions. Also, inhaling papaya powder (high in the enzymes papain and chymopapain), can induce allergies.
In addition to decreasing infertility, papain might cause abortions shortly after conception. The papain apparently dissolves a protein(s) responsible for adhering the newly-fertilised egg to the wall of the uterus. The latex can also be irritating so care is required.
As with every other medicinal plant, err on the side of caution and determine any reaction of your body before continuing. Learn as much as you can before trying a new herb. Moderation is key.
Papaya (Carica papaya) is cultivated mainly to supply ripe, tasty fruits - used at breakfast, in jellies, preserves, refreshing drinks; while the young leaves, shoots and fruit can be cooked as a vegetable.
To ensure that the tree produces fruits, both female and male trees need to be planted. The fruits, leaves, and latex may also be used medicinally. The papaya contains many important compounds such as the proteolytic enzyme papain in the green fruit. The quantity of the compounds differ depending on the plant part used and age, extraction method, the cultivar and sex of the tree.
Papain has milk-clotting (rennet) and protein-digesting properties (papaya leaves wrapped around meat will soften/tenderise it). Papain is useful in medicine, combating dyspepsia and other digestive disorders. Papain is used in many products including some dentifrices, shampoos, and face-lifting preparations.
Fruit and seed extracts have pronounced bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherischia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella flexneri (Emeruwa, 1982). Research done by the Department of Advanced Nursing Education, UWI has shown that 75 per cent of nurses at three of our local hospitals use green papaya to dress skin ulcers (Hewitt 2000).
The green (unripe) papaya is rich in the digestive enzymes papain and chymopapain. The alkaloid carpain also found in green papayas has antibacterial and amoebicidal properties. The latex sap inhibits the growth of Candida albicans when added to a culture during the expotential growth phase (Giordani 1996).
- For biliousness: Take ripe papaya fruit as a remedy.
- For all sorts of gastric troubles: Ripe papaya fruit is a useful remedy.
- To keep the digestive system normal and in order: A combination of papaya
and tomato juice is excellent.
- For skin problems: The milky juice exuding from the wounds of the unripe
papaya fruit applied locally removes and cures barber rash. The juice from
the leaves can be applied to open and offensive wounds, to cleanse them and
promote healing. A paste of the seeds is applied to skin diseases like ringworm.
- For worms: The seed of papaya juiced and taken on empty stomach with a spoonful
of castor oil taken with hot water helps expel worms; or eat a whole leaf
of papaya first thing in the morning before breakfast.
- For liver problems: Eat lots of papaya regularly.
- To deworm pigs and chicks: The papaya latex (at doses of 4, and 8 g/kg BW)
decreased egg production by 99 per cent and adult worm (Ascaris suum) production
in pigs by 90-100 per cent. Water extracts of papaya seeds decreased Ascaridia
galli infections in chicks by 41.7 per cent.
In Suriname's traditional medicine: the boiled green leaves of papaya is used against malaria and as an anthelmintic, the seeds as a vermifuge and tea of the fallen leaves against hypertension.
Dr. Sylvia Mitchell, research fellow (Graduate School), Biotechnology Centre, University of the West Indies, Mona, email:smitchel@uwimona.edu.jm
