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Tlahui-Medic. No. 7, I/1999
Dr. Mario Rojas Alba Common name: Papaya Botanical characteristics and
habitat: Carica papaya L. originated in tropical countries, where it is also cultivated.
Vast plantations may be found in Ceylon, Pakistan, India, Australia, East
Africa and Brazil. In Mexico and Central America there are many plantations but
they are smaller. This tree belongs to the Caricaceae family, and is 13 to 20
feet high (4 to 6 meters). It has spongy wood and long-petioled leaves with 7
deeply divided lobes clustered in a terminal crown. The fruits are
yellow-orange like melons with a smooth surface; they may weigh up to 15.4 lb
(7 kg). Properties: Vermifuge, febrifuge, anti-inflamatory, antiparasitic,
pectoral, antasthmatic, mild laxative, digestive and stomachic. Uses in traditional medicine: Papaya has been used for the treatment of asthma and
constipation. It stimulates the digestion of fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
In gastric disorders involving a deficiency of gastric juices, such as
dyspepsia, papaya juice is an excellent digestive. In Mexico and Central
America its latex (or the leaves) is used as a vermifuge and to expel
tapeworms. There are several remedies made out of a mixture of papaya latex
enzymes (such as papain), which are used for afflictions of gastric and
intestinal secretions. They are mainly used in cases of protein digestion
deficiency. Dry and ground seeds are used together with other related plants to
prepare capsules for the treatment of intestinal parasitosis. Remedies: Dissolve 15 to 20 grams of papaya juice with an equal amount of honey in
a cup of water to treat intestinal parasites. Constituents: The most important active principle is papain, one of
the six enzymes that are isolated from papaya's latex. The other enzymes are
chymopapain A & B, lysozyme, callose, lipase and glutamine-cyclospherase.
The fruit contains pectin, albumin ferment solvents, organic acids, resins,
vitamins A, B, C, and essential oils. The fruit also contains albumen, a white
resin which is contained in Caricin, nitrogenous matter, salts, essentially
potassium and sodium, malic acid and traces of tannin. The latex contains
ferments, mostly papain, phospholipids, peptides and amino acids. It also
contains the glucoside Carpaine, which has a strong effect on the cardiac
muscle. This is applied in cases of cardiac weakness and in some blood
vessel-related ailments. Precautions & contraindications:
You must be careful when you peel a
lot of papayas because of their caustic effect. The juice irritates the
fingers; for this not to occur, constantly moisten your fingers and the fruit
itself while peeling it. If you eat it in abundance, it might cause hives,
which would require a long and difficult treatment. Besides, a hives episode
might be easily aggravated if you eat any acidic vegetable or fruit. Eating the
fruit without washing it might also cause hives. When cooking papaya, place it
in water and let it boil. Once it boils, it is advisable to throw the water
away. Consult your doctor. Additional precautions &
contraindications: There are
no references to toxic reactions due to traditional use. Consult your doctor. |
