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Traditional Uses

India has rich medical heritage with a large number of traditional practices,

systems and medicines as a part of its total health care scenario, some of

them are more than 3,000 years old. In spite of remarkable achievements of

modern medicines and research, these ancient systems continue to play a

major role in the control or alleviation of diseases. In India several scientists

have reported the therapeutic importance of the chemical constituents of

plants used in ancient Indian medical system. In spite of the concurrent use of

the extract of Carica papaya with prescription oral hypoglycemic agents in

some patients there is a dearth of literature on the effects of the extract on

activity of oral hypoglycemic agents (Fakeye, T.O. et al., 2007 and Oyelola O.,

2005). It has been reported by Parle Milind et.al. (2011) that whole papaya

plant is useful in various medicinal properties like uterotonic,

nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, etc. there are several

medicinal importance of the whole plant C. papaya also has several industrial

uses.

Each division of Carica papaya has a unique pharmacological use, and some

parts of Asia are applying it.

Leaves

Carica papaya leaves have been used for treatment of asthma, colic, fever,

beriberi (thiamine deficiency), and as an abortifacient in India (Krishna, K.L. et

al. 2008), for malaria and dengue fever in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Malaysia

(Gammulle, A. et al. 2012). C. papaya leaves are made into tea as a

treatment for malaria (Slominski, A.T. et. al. 2014). Antimalarial and
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antiplasmodial activity has been noted in some preparations of the plant,

(Udoh, P. 2005) but the mechanism is not understood and not scientifically

proven. Commencing on studies of Dr. Sanath Hettige, who conducted the

research on 70 dengue fever patients, said C. papaya leaf juice helps

increase white blood cells and platelets, normalizes clotting, and repairs the

liver. Recent research on C. papaya leaf tea extract has demonstrated cancer

cell growth inhibition in Vietnam and Australia. It appears to boost the

production of key signaling molecules called Th1-type cytokines, which help

regulate the immune system.

Fruit

In the Philippines and Sri Lanka, ripe Carica papaya fruit is laxative which

assures of regular bowel movement. The milky juice which is tapped from the

green, mature fruit while still in the tree contains an enzyme known as

"papain". People use this in the preparation of different remedies for

indigestion (Gammulle, A. et al. 2012). The folic acid found in C. papaya is

needed for the conversion of homocysteine into amino acids such as cysteine

or methionine. If unconverted, homocysteine can directly damage blood

vessel walls, is considered a significant risk factor for a heart attack or stroke

(Krishna, K.L. et al. 2008). In Southern China, lactating mothers drink the

soup made from fish and nearly ripen fruit of C. papaya to improve milk flow.

Seeds

Carica papaya seeds have antibacterial properties and are effective against

E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus infections. India, Malaysia, and

Pakistan consider the seeds in protecting the kidneys from toxin induced
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kidney failure, eliminating intestinal parasites, and help detoxify the liver. Dried

seeds pounded and mixed with vinegar, as a skin irritant to lower fever, cure

for piles and typhoid, and anti-helminthic and anti-amoebic properties

(Dawson, E. 1997).

Peel

Carica papaya peel is often used in cosmetics. India, Philippines, Sri Lanka,

and Malaysia used the C. papaya peel in many home remedies (Slominski,

A.T. et. al. 2014). Sunscreen and soothing slave, the presence of vitamin A

helps to restore and rebuild damaged skin. Applied C. papaya peel used as

skin lightening agent. When peel mixed with honey and applied it can act as

soothe and moisturizers the skin. The C. papaya vinegar with lemon juice can

be applied to the scalp for 20 minutes prior to shampooing to fight dandruff.

Adding Carica papaya oil and vinegar to bath water, along with essential oils

like lavender, orange and rosemary can be nourishing, refreshing and

relaxing, and can work as a pain reliever and muscle relaxant.

Roots

Juice from Carica papaya roots is used in some countries of Asia to ease

urinary troubles. A decoction formed by boiling the outer part of the roots of

the carica papaya tree in the cure of dyspepsia (Dawson, E. 1997).