Papaya Leaf

“Let food be thy medicine” said Hippocrates, the father of medicine. When, what’s more, this medicine can be found in an exotic fruit like papaya, then being in full health is all the more pleasant! Zoom on papaya leaf, a precious ally for our well-being...

Papaya Leaf Overview

Papaya, also called tropical melon, comes as everyone knows from the papaya tree or carica papaya. This evergreen fruit tree native to Mexico grows in tropical regions of the globe where heat and humidity combine, both of which are conducive to its growth.

This shrub, which can reach heights ranging from 3 to 7 m high, has a fairly short lifespan, from 3 to 5 years, but throughout which it produces intensely.

These leaves are gathered at the top of the trunk and resemble those of the fig tree, with one side light green and the other rather whitish. The papaya tree produces male flowers and female flowers.

Its fruit, the papaya, consists of an orange pulp dotted with blackish seeds in its center. Papaya is eaten fresh when it has reached maturity.

Did you know?

The uses of papaya are numerous and do not stop at eating the fresh ripe fruit! The still green papaya can be eaten grated or seared in a pan, like a vegetable.

Its young leaves can be cooked like spinach. Finally, the black seeds of papaya, with their spicy flavor, can be ground to replace pepper.

Unusual!

Man has developed hybrid varieties of papaya because wild papaya is unpleasant to eat due to... its nauseating smell!

The papaya leaf we are talking about here, but also the whole fruit, contains a proteolytic enzyme: papain, which is the main object of its interest for health.

Composition and medicinal properties of papaya leaf

As mentioned earlier, the main component of papaya leaf is papain, a proteolytic enzyme.

A proteolytic enzyme is an enzyme produced naturally by the pancreas (such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, the main proteolytic enzymes) and essential for the proper digestion of proteins.

Papain contains an enzyme of the same nature which has multiple virtues.

Papain is said to be effective against digestive disorders of all kinds. It is traditionally used in cases of infection, stomach aches or gastric acidity for example. But this enzyme would protect the entire digestive system, from the mouth to the colon.

Similarly, by optimizing metabolism and protein assimilation, papain prevents excessive acidity production in the intestines. Therefore, it could help to better digest gluten (the wheat protein).

In the context of digestive disorders, papaya leaf and papain are also said to have laxative, vermifuge, purgative and anti-bloating uses.

Papaya leaf is full of antioxidants, and would thus actively participate in protecting the body from free radicals that cause aging and cell degradation. The combination of the digestive properties of the proteolytic enzyme and the antioxidant action of papain makes it an interesting component to protect the body from colon cancer in particular , but also to reduce the adverse effects of radiotherapy for treating these same cancers.

Indeed, cancer radiotherapy is a heavy treatment which, in the vast majority of cases, causes significant side effects: skin erythema, inflammatory reactions, headaches, nausea, vomiting, pain in the esophagus... all consequences which could be alleviated by papain supplementation.

Finally, the papain contained in the papaya leaf and in the fruit would act positively on various injuries, edemas and inflammatory phenomena. It would relieve pain and dissolve necrotic tissues. Traditionally, the papaya leaf is used in direct application on the skin to treat insect bites or wounds.

Encouraging scientific studies

Several scientific studies with encouraging results confirm the virtues of papain.

Papain is usually studied in combination with other proteolytic enzymes, such as bromelain from pineapple or trypsin for example.

A study observed the effects of these enzymes on 30 patients with cervical syndrome. Although the positive effect was found to be limited, it was nonetheless significant according to the data collected. The patients did indeed see relief from their pain, as well as a significant increase in their leukocyte and lymphocyte counts. (1) (2)

In the studies on the effects of papain and proteolytic enzymes in cancer, again it is rather a combination of proteolytic enzymes that has been studied, however on many occasions. (3) (4)

One such study, conducted in India and involving 220 cancer patients, showed that a supplement composed of several proteolytic enzymes, including papain in greater quantities, i.e. 100 mg, significantly contributed to reducing the side effects of radiotherapy treatments. (5)(6)

Finally, let us note in vitro studies showing the beneficial effects of papain on edema and injuries. Proteolytic enzymes would have the effect of increasing the reaction of cells to attacks and of reinforcing their regeneration as well as the immune reaction of the organism. (7)

Use and dosage of papaya leaf

Papain is most commonly found as a combination of several proteolytic enzymes. Although most supplements available on the market are in tablet form, papain can also be found in oral solution or syrup form.

Given the multitude of supplements and their different compositions, it is advisable to refer to the instructions for use rather than opting for a general dosage.

Contraindications and side effects of papaya leaf

Some studies have noted potential abortifacient effects of papain. Therefore this supplement is not recommended for pregnant women.

In case of excessive ingestion, cases of irritation of the esophagus may be observed in rare cases.

Finally, people with latex allergies may be at a higher than average risk of papaya leaf allergy.

It may also be important to know that the effects of papain may be additive to those of anticoagulant treatments.

Papaya leaf, a virtuous supplement

The traditional use of papaya leaf is about to be widely confirmed by the results of scientific research. The effects of papain seem to be a sure asset for the digestive system but also to relieve many other ailments.

1. Tilscher H, Keusch R, Neumann K. [ Results of a double-blind, randomized comparative study of Wobenzym-placebo in patients with cervical syndrome ].
2. Hoernecke R, Doenicke A. [ Perioperative enzyme therapy. A significant supplement to postoperative pain therapy? ] Anaesthesit. 1993 Dec;42(12):856-61.
3. Zanker KS. The use of systemic enzyme therapy in oncology. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;47 Suppl:S1-3. No abstract available.
4. Hubarieva HO, Kindzel's'kyi LP, et al. [ Systemic enzymotherapy as a method of prophylaxis of postradiation complications in oncological patients ] Lik Sprava. 2000 Oct-Dec;(7-8):94-100. Ukrainian.
5. Dale PS, Tamhankar CP, et al. Co-medication with hydrolytic enzymes in radiation therapy of uterine cervix: evidence of the reduction of acute side effects. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;47 Suppl:S29-34.
6. Gujral MS, Patnaik PM, et al. Efficacy of hydrolytic enzymes in preventing radiation therapy-induced side effects in patients with head and neck cancers. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol. 2001 Jul;47 Suppl:S23-8
7. Zavadova E, Desser L, Mohr T. Stimulation of reactive oxygen species production and cytotoxicity in human neutrophils in vitro and after oral administration of a polyenzyme preparation. Cancer Biother. 1995 Summer;10(2):147-52