"Papaya (Carica papaya) is a fast-growing, tropical fruit-bearing plant known for its sweet, orange-fleshed fruit and medicinal properties. Native to Central America and Mexico, it belongs to the Caricaceae family. Both its fruit and various plant parts (leaves, seeds, latex) are used in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine for treating digestive issues, infections, inflammation, and skin problems.
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Papaya Scientific Name
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Brassicales
- Family: Caricaceae
- Genus: Carica
- Species: Carica papaya
Papaya Common Name
- English: Papaya
- Sanskrit: Eranda Karkati, Madhu Karkati
- Hindi: Papita
- Tamil: Pappali
- Telugu: Boppayi Pandu
- Bengali: Pepe
- Marathi: Papayi
Papaya Traditional and Medicinal Uses
- Digestive Health - Papain enzyme from unripe fruit and latex aids in digestion by breaking down proteins.
- Anthelmintic Use - Seeds are used as a natural remedy against intestinal worms, especially roundworms and tapeworms.
- Skin and Wound Healing - Latex and pulp applied topically for wound healing, skin infections, and burns due to antimicrobial and proteolytic action.
- Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Use - Leaf extract traditionally used to reduce inflammation and pain in arthritic and febrile conditions.
- Reproductive and Menstrual Health - Used in some traditional systems for menstrual regulation and to induce abortion
References
Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), Part-I, Vol. I, Govt. of India.
Chopra, R.N., Nayar, S.L., & Chopra, I.C. (1956). Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi.
Otsuki, N., Dang, N.H., Kumagai, E., et al. (2010). "Aqueous extract of Carica papaya leaves exhibits anti-tumor activity and immunomodulatory effects." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 127(3), 760–767.
Ahmad, N., Fazal, H., Ayaz, M., et al. (2011). "Biological role of Carica papaya in medicine and cosmetics." Pakistan Journal of Botany, 43(1), 1–9.
European Pharmacopoeia, 10th Edition, Council of Europe.
Marisa, A.S., & Keong, C.Y. (2016). "Effect of Carica papaya leaf extract on platelet count in dengue patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, Article ID 7596840.
Wee, Y.C. (2010). Fruits of Southeast Asia: Facts and Folklore. Marshall Cavendish International.
World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants.
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