Papaya

Related Terms

Almindelig papaja (Danish), arbre aux melon (French), arsenic, ascorbic acid, Baummelone (German), benzyl isothiocyanate, benzyl ITC, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-D-hexosaminidases, BITC, calcium, Caraica papaya carbohydrates, Carica papaya, Carica papaya bark, Carica papaya fruit, Carica papaya leaves, Carica papaya roots, Carica papaya seed extract, caricain, carotene, Cerica papaya, chambur? (Portuguese), chymodiactin, chymopapain, crude fiber, cryptoxanthin, dinnyefa (Hungarian), dudu (Vietnamese), exotic fruit, fan mu gua (Chinese), fermented papaya, fruits of papaya, galactose, glutaminyl cyclase, glycyl endopeptidase, green papaya, harilik papaia (Estonian), houng (Laotian), iron, kapaya (Tagalog), khaknuan papaya, lapaya (Tagalog), lechosa (Spanish), loko (Thai), lycopene, lysine, ma kuai thet (Thai), magnesium, majan (Kelabit), malako (Thai), malakor (Thai), mam?o (Portuguese), mamoeiro (Portuguese), mam?n (Spanish), Mangifera indica, meloenboom (Dutch), meloenboom sort (Dutch), mel?n zapote (Spanish), Melonenbaum (German), melonowiec wlasciwy (Polish), Melontr?d (Swedish), melontrae (Danish), methionine, mewa (Nepali), mukua-wan-shou-kuo (Chinese), niacin, orange fruits, papago (French), papaia (Portuguese), papaija (Finnish), papain, papaiya (Japanese), pap?ja (Hungarian), papaja (Polish, Slovene), pap?ja melounov? (Czech), pap?ja obecn? (Czech), Papajabaum (German), Papajapflanze (German), papaya cream, papaya cysteine proteinases, papaya-derived antioxidant, papaya fruit, papaya juice, papaya latex, papaya latex glutamine cyclotransferase, papaya milk, papaya proteinase IV, papaya proteinases, papaya QC enzymes, papaya salad, papaya seed extract, papaya shoot, papaya sort (Dutch), papaya sublimate, papaya trees, Papayabaum (German), papaye (French), papayer (French), papayero (Spanish), papayo (Spanish), papiitaa (Hindi, Urdu), pappali (Tamil), phosphoric acid, phosphorous, popoo (Japanese), provitamin A, pureed papaya, riboflavin, rungan (Russian), sa kui se (Thai), som tam pla ra (Thai), sound fruits, thiamine, thimbaw (Burmese), tropical fruits, tropical plant extracts, tryptophan, Uzbek papaya.
Combination product examples: Immun'Age? (fermented papaya, yeast, and dextrose), Bionormalizer? (biofermentation products of Carica papaya, Pennisetum purpureum, and Sechium edule), Wobenzym? (ingredients: pancreatin, bromelain, papain, lipase, amylase, trypsin, alpha chymotrypsin, and rutin).
Note: This monograph is primarily concerned with the leaves, seeds, and fruit of the papaya tree. Papain, an enzyme contained in papaya, is also discussed briefly when relevant; however, for a more in-depth review of papain, a separate monograph is available in the Natural Standard Herb & Supplements database.

Background

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a fruit-bearing tree grown in tropical regions around the world. Commonly eaten parts of the plant include the fruit and leaves. Traditionally, juice from the papaya fruit and root has been used to treat boils, burns, and warts. The leaves have been used to treat ulcers and, together with papaya seeds, intestinal parasites. Unripened papaya fruit also has been used for wound healing, colds, and indigestion; the roots and seeds have been used for hemorrhoids and to induce abortion. Papaya also has been used as a folk remedy for birth control and as a digestive aid.
The fruit and leaves contain the protein-digesting enzymes papain and chymopapain, which have been isolated and studied for their effects on injured skin tissue. Results of research suggest that the papaya fruit, enzymes, and seed extracts may have other therapeutic properties such as anticancer, antifungal, antiparasitic, blood lipid-lowering, blood sugar-lowering, birth control, and immune system effects. Despite a wealth of positive early research, high quality human trials supporting the use of papaya for any human condition remain lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Papaya has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties. Although early research results are encouraging, further studies are required before any conclusion can be made.

 C


Papaya has been shown to have potent antioxidant properties. Although early research results are encouraging, further studies are required before any conclusion can be made.

 C


Papaya applied directly on a wound appears effective in removing damaged tissue from wounds and in limiting burn wound infection. While preliminary and traditional evidence is promising, further clinical research is required before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Papaya applied directly on a wound appears effective in removing damaged tissue from wounds and in limiting burn wound infection. While preliminary and traditional evidence is promising, further clinical research is required before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Papaya extract and papaya products have been shown to have potential anticancer properties. Additional research is required before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Papaya extract and papaya products have been shown to have potential anticancer properties. Additional research is required before a firm conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary study revealed that consumption of papaya at least once weekly was associated with a decreased risk of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Human clinical trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary study revealed that consumption of papaya at least once weekly was associated with a decreased risk of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Human clinical trials are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Early study showed that a fermented papaya preparation effectively lowered blood sugar levels in healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. Although these findings are encouraging, additional research is needed.

C


Early study showed that a fermented papaya preparation effectively lowered blood sugar levels in healthy and type 2 diabetic subjects. Although these findings are encouraging, additional research is needed.

C


Papaya has been used as a folk remedy for wound management in several regions of the world. Preliminary human study indicates that papaya may aid skin ulcer healing. Further study is needed.

 C


Papaya has been used as a folk remedy for wound management in several regions of the world. Preliminary human study indicates that papaya may aid skin ulcer healing. Further study is needed.

 C


Preliminary study showed that papaya, which is rich in carotenes (provitamin A), may improve vitamin A status in breastfeeding women. Evidence regarding papaya's ability to treat vitamin A deficiency remains limited. Additional research is required before any conclusion can be made.

 C


Preliminary study showed that papaya, which is rich in carotenes (provitamin A), may improve vitamin A status in breastfeeding women. Evidence regarding papaya's ability to treat vitamin A deficiency remains limited. Additional research is required before any conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose of papaya in adults.
As an antioxidant, a dose of 9 grams of fermented papaya preparation has been taken by mouth daily for three months.
For cancer prevention, a dose of 6 grams of Immun'Age? (a product containing fermented papaya, yeast, and dextrose) has been taken by mouth daily for six months in patients with atrophic gastritis (a type of stomach inflammation).
For human papillomavirus treatment, papaya has been taken by mouth one or more times weekly.
For hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), a dose of 3 grams of a fermented papaya preparation has been taken by mouth daily for two months.
For vitamin A deficiency, a dose of 650 grams of pureed papaya has been taken by mouth daily by breastfeeding women for 60 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Papaya may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Papaya may interact with anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin. Other drugs that may increase the risk of bleeding include aspirin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Papaya may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Papaya may also interact with anticancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, blood vessel-widening or narrowing agents, cardiovascular agents, cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12), drugs that affect the immune system, iron salts, potassium salts, retinoids, and sodium.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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.
Breithaupt DE, Weller P, Wolters M, et al. Plasma response to a single dose of dietary beta-cryptoxanthin esters from papaya ( L.) or non-esterified beta-cryptoxanthin in adult human subjects: a comparative study. Br J Nutr 2003;90(4):795-801.
Danese C, Esposito D, D'Alfonso V, et al. Plasma glucose level decreases as collateral effect of fermented papaya preparation use. Clin Ter 2006;157(3):195-198.
Giuliano AR, Siegel EM, Roe DJ, et al. Dietary intake and risk of persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: the Ludwig-McGill HPV Natural History Study. J Infect Dis 2003;188(10):1508-1516.
Jayarajan P, Reddy V, and Mohanram M. Effect of dietary fat on absorption of beta carotene from green leafy vegetables in children. Indian J Med Res 1980;71:53-56.
Lohiya NK, Kothari LK, Manivannan B, et al. Human sperm immobilization effect of seed extracts: an study. Asian J Androl 2000;2(2):103-109.
Marotta F, Weksler M, Naito Y, et al. 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 NY Acad Sci 2006;1067:400-407.
Marotta F, Yoshida C, Barreto R, et al. Oxidative-inflammatory damage in cirrhosis: effect of vitamin E and a fermented papaya preparation. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007;22(5):697-703.
Martin T, Uhder K, Kurek R, et al. Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial. Radiother Oncol 2002;65(1):17-22.
Miyoshi N, Uchida K, Osawa T, et al. Selective cytotoxicity of benzyl isothiocyanate in the proliferating fibroblastoid cells. Int J Cancer 2007;120(3):484-492.
Ncube TN, Greiner T, Malaba LC, et al. Supplementing lactating women with pureed papaya and grated carrots improved vitamin A status in a placebo-controlled trial. J Nutr 2001;131(5):1497-1502.
Otsuki N, Dang NH, Kumagai E, et al. Aqueous extract of leaves exhibits anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory effects. J Ethnopharmacol 2010;127(3):760-767.
Owoyele BV, Adebukola OM, Funmilayo AA, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extract of leaves. Inflammopharmacology 2008;16(4):168-173.
Tuekpe MK, Todoriki H, Sasaki S, et al. Potassium excretion in healthy Japanese women was increased by a dietary intervention utilizing home-parcel delivery of Okinawan vegetables. Hypertens Res 2006;29(6):389-396.
Zhang J, Mori A, Chen Q, et al. 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 2006;143(1):63-72.