Papaya in Herbalist: Property of the Papaya

Scientific name

Carica papaya

Family

Caricaceae

Origin

Moluccas Islands

Used Parts

Drug consisting of fruits and latex

Chemical constituents

Proteolytic enzymes (papain)

Papaya in Herbalist: Property of the Papaya

The papain enzyme proteolytic, which is extracted from the latex obtained by incision of the immature fruit, is used in therapy as an aid for protein digestion, in cases of pancreatic insufficiency, meteorism and diarrhea (use only extracts titrated in papain prescribed by the doctor).

Externally, the latex is irritating, therefore the only phytotherapic application is that of the extracts titrated in oral papain.

Biological activity

The raw papain is a mixture containing the different proteases present inside the latex extracted from the immature fruit of the papaya. The main components of this mixture are pure papain, chimopapaine A and B and papain protease.

As mentioned, papain extracted from papaya is used as an adjuvant to protein digestion and to treat pancreatic insufficiency, meteorism and diarrhea. Papain, in fact, is considered an analogue of human pepsin. This analogy has allowed it to acquire the name "vegetable pepsin".

However, these therapeutic applications of papain have not yet been officially approved.

Papain, however, is often used in the food industry, where it is used to clarify beverages and to soften meat.

On the market, then, there are numerous food supplements based on fermented papaya, that is based on a particular extract that is obtained by fermenting (through microbial fermentation) the fruit of the pulverized papaya. Antioxidant and anti-aging properties are attributed to the fermented papaya.

Although the use of fermented papaya as an antioxidant has not been officially authorized, this interesting property has been the subject of various studies in which its effects are analyzed in patients suffering from disorders or diseases characterized by oxidative stress, such as, for example, the Alzheimer's disease.

Papaya in folk medicine and homeopathy

Papaya and papain are often used in folk medicine to counteract digestive disorders.

Papaya leaves, on the other hand, are used in preparations for the treatment of disorders related to the gastrointestinal tract and to combat intestinal infestations with parasites, but not only. In fact, papaya leaves are used - especially in Indian medicine - also in the treatment of hemorrhoids, coughs, bronchitis and kidney stones.

In homeopathy, papaya is used as a remedy to strengthen the immune system. It is available in different preparations in the form of solutions or globules. The product dosage may vary depending on the homeopathic dilution that is used.

Side effects

Allergic reactions are frequent following papaya intake.

Contraindications

Avoid taking papaya in case of proven hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Furthermore, the use of papain and the immature papaya fruit is contraindicated in pregnancy, since some studies have highlighted the abortive effect.