Carica papaya (Caricaceae) Papaya

Carica papaya (Papaya)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Carica papaya

Family: Caricaceae

Genus: Carica

Related Herbs from the same family:

The Caricaceae family is relatively small and predominantly tropical. Carica papaya is the most economically and medicinally significant species within it. Other members of the genus Carica are found in South America but are not prominent in Ayurvedic or traditional Indian medicine.

• Jacaratia spinosa: A South American species used locally for its edible fruit and medicinal properties, but not referenced in Asian traditional systems.

• Vasconcellea pubescens (Mountain Papaya): Native to the Andes, used similarly to papaya for its digestive enzymes and as a food source.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Carica papaya | English: Papaya, Pawpaw | Sanskrit: Erandakarkati, Papita | Hindi: Papita, Papeeta | Tamil: Pappali, Pappayi | Telugu: Boppayi, Papayi | Kannada: Parangi Hannu | Malayalam: Kappakaya, Omakaya | Marathi: Papai | Bengali: Papeya | Spanish: Lechosa, Papaya | French: Papaye | Portuguese: Mamão | Arabic: بابايا |

3. Medicinal Uses:

Digestive stimulant (Deepana), Carminative (Pachana), Antihelmintic (Krimighna), Anti-inflammatory, Wound healer (Vranaropana), Antioxidant, Galactagogue, Diuretic, Emmenagogue (promotes menstruation), Antimalarial (traditional use for fever).

Medicinal Parts:Virtually all parts of the papaya plant are used medicinally.

• Fruit (Ripe & Unripe): Ripe fruit is nutritive and laxative; unripe fruit is digestive and anti-inflammatory.

• Leaves: Used for fevers, digestive issues, and topically for wounds.

• Seeds: Potent antihelmintic and antimicrobial.

• Latex (from unripe fruit/trunk): The source of papain enzyme, used for digestion, tenderizing meat, and topically for wounds and skin lesions.

• Flowers: Occasionally used in traditional preparations.

• Root: Used in decoctions for urinary issues.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Papain and Chymopapain: Proteolytic enzymes found in the latex. Their action is Digestive (breaks down proteins), Anti-inflammatory (reduces swelling), and Debriding (cleanses dead tissue from wounds).

Carpaine: An alkaloid found in the leaves. It has Antihelmintic (worm-expelling) and potential Cardioactive effects.

Benzyl Isothiocyanate: A compound in the seeds with strong Antimicrobial and Antihelmintic properties.

Carotenoids (Beta-Carotene, Lycopene): Pigments in the ripe fruit with potent Antioxidant activity, protecting cells from damage and supporting vision and immunity.

Flavonoids and Vitamin C: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Immunomodulatory capacity.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Agnimandya (Weak Digestion) & Āmadosha (Toxin Accumulation)

Formulation: Unripe papaya as a vegetable or raw papaya latex.

Preparation & Use: Unripe papaya is cooked as a vegetable (Papaya Sabzi) or a small piece is consumed before a heavy meal to enhance digestion. The latex from the unripe fruit is also used.

Reasoning: The proteolytic enzymes (papain) actively break down complex proteins and food particles, acting as a powerful digestive stimulant and preventing the formation of toxins (ama).

Jwara (Fever) - especially Dengue

Formulation: Leaf juice.

Preparation & Use: The juice extracted from fresh papaya leaves is a well-known folk remedy, particularly for dengue fever, to help increase platelet count and reduce fever.

Reasoning: While the exact mechanism is debated, the leaf juice is believed to stimulate bone marrow platelet production and possesses antipyretic properties. Modern studies have explored its thrombocyte-increasing potential.

Krimi (Worm Infestation)

Formulation: Seed powder.

Preparation & Use: Dried papaya seeds are powdered and taken with honey or water to expel intestinal worms.

Reasoning: The benzyl isothiocyanate and carpaine in the seeds are toxic to intestinal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms.

Vrana (Wounds) & Dushta Vrana (Chronic Ulcers)

Formulation: Latex or leaf poultice.

Preparation & Use: The fresh latex is applied to burns, wounds, and chronic ulcers. A paste of the leaves is also applied to non-healing wounds and infected sores.

Reasoning: Papain enzymatically debrides dead tissue, cleanses the wound bed, and promotes granulation. The antimicrobial properties prevent infection.

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

Papaya is a staple fruit and vegetable in tropical regions.

Papaya Leaf Juice for Fever Support

Purpose: Traditional support for dengue and other fevers.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 2-3 fresh, clean papaya leaves (avoid stems).

• Crush and squeeze to extract 1-2 tablespoons of juice.

• Consume immediately, twice daily. Extremely bitter.

Digestive Papaya Seed Powder

Purpose: As a periodic deworming agent.

Preparation & Use:

• Dry papaya seeds in the sun.

• Grind into a fine powder.

• Take ½ to 1 teaspoon of this powder with 1 teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach for 3-5 days.

Unripe Papaya Vegetable (Sabzi)

Purpose: To improve digestion and as a nutritious side dish.

Preparation & Use:

• Peel and cube unripe green papaya.

• Sauté with cumin, turmeric, asafoetida, and other spices.

• Cook until tender. Eaten with meals.

Topical Latex for Warts/Corns

Purpose: To remove warts and corns.

Preparation & Use:

• Collect fresh latex from the surface of an unripe fruit or leaf stalk.

• Apply a drop directly to the wart/corn daily, avoiding surrounding skin.

• Caution: Can be irritating.

7. Disclaimer:

Unripe papaya and its latex are CONTRADICATED in PREGNANCY due to their potential emmenagogue and abortifacient effects. Papaya seeds in large doses may be toxic. The leaf juice, while popular, should not replace standard medical care for dengue or malaria. Individuals with latex allergy may react to papaya. Papain can interact with blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants). Always consult a healthcare provider before using papaya therapeutically, especially for serious conditions. This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

• The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad

• Fruits of Warm Climates by Julia F. Morton

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Ananas comosus (Pineapple)

• Species: Ananas comosus | Family: Bromeliaceae | Genus: Ananas

• Similarities: Contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain, similar to papain. Both fruits are used as digestive aids, anti-inflammatories, and tenderizers. Bromelain is also used in wound care and for reducing swelling.

2. Cucurbita maxima (Pumpkin Seeds)

• Species: Cucurbita maxima | Family: Cucurbitaceae | Genus: Cucurbita

• Similarities: The seeds of both papaya and pumpkin are renowned traditional antihelmintics used to expel intestinal worms. They offer a food-based, albeit potent, approach to parasite management.

3. Ficus carica (Fig/Anjir)

• Species: Ficus carica | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Ficus

• Similarities: Both figs and papaya contain proteolytic enzymes (ficin in figs, papain in papaya) that aid digestion. The latex (dodi) of the fig tree is also applied topically to warts and skin growths, similar to the use of papaya latex.

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