Taxonomic class

Caricaceae

Common Trade Names

Papaya Enzyme, Papaya Enzyme with Chlorophyll, Papaya Leaf

Common Forms

Tablets: 5 mg

Tablets (chewable): 25 mg

Also available as a tea.

Source

Components are usually extracted from the leaves, seeds, pulp, and latex of Carica papaya, which is native to Mexico and Central America but also grows in other tropical areas.

Chemical Components

Papaya is composed primarily of proteolytic enzymes, including papain and chymopapain. Papain (also know as vegetable pepsin) occurs in the leaves and fruit latex. The alkaloid carpaine has also been isolated from the leaves. The seeds contain the glycosides caricin and myrosin.

Actions

Meat, seeds, and plant pulp of unripe papaya have demonstrated antioxidant properties and exerted weak bacteriostatic activity in vitro.

Latex from papaya sap has inhibited the growth of Candida albicans in culture .

Reported Uses

Papain is classified as a debriding agent for necrotic tissue. Chymopapain is approved for intradiskal injection in patients with herniated lumbar intervertebral disks who do not respond to conventional therapy.

Papaya was used for athletic injuries and showed improved anti­inflammatory response and speedy recovery . It was also helpful in reducing postoperative edema and ecchymosis after nasal plastic surgery. In patients who had undergone head and neck surgery, papaya reduced postoperative edema slightly .

Papain is claimed to be useful as an anthelmintic and in treating digestive disorders. The latex has been effective against intestinal nematodes in mice.

Dosage

For inflammation, clinical trials suggest 10 mg P.O. q.i.d. for 7 days.

Adverse Reactions

CNS: decreased CNS activity (carpaine), paralysis.

CV: decreased heart rate.

GI: perforation of the esophagus and severe gastritis (with ingestion of excessive papaya or papain).

Skin: carotenemia, dermatitis.

Other: anaphylactic shock (reported after injection of chymopapain), hypersensitivity reactions (plant parts, extracts).

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications and Precautions

Avoid using papaya in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown. Use cautiously in patients with a history of atopy or in those who are prone to contact dermatitis reactions from the herb.

Special Considerations

Monitor the patient with hypersensitivity for reactions to papaya.

Caution the patient against prolonged use because of the risk of severe gastritis and hypersensitivity reactions. Explain that the latex in the plant may induce dermatitis.

Advise Women to avoid using papaya during pregnancy or when breast -feeding.

Points of Interest

Papaya is a source of flavoring used in candies and ice cream.

Papain is used in Some facial creams to soften skin and as a meat tenderizer.

Commentary

Human clinical trials suggest that papaya may be useful in treating inflamation caused by trauma or surgical procedures. In vitro studies have documented bacteriostatic effects against enteropathogens, but human clinical trials need to be conducted to verify these claims. Because allergic reactions have been caused by plant parts and extracts, papaya should be used cautiously in patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions.