European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

CARICA PAPAYA: NATURE’S GIFT HAMPER FOR MAN

*Panchawat S. and Pradhan J.

ABSTRACT

Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is commonly called as paw-paw and it belongs to the family Caricaceae. Papaya is a powerhouse of nutrients and is available throughout the year. Papaya possess excellent medicinal properties for treatment of different ailments like warts, corns, sinuses, eczema, blood pressure, dyspepsia, constipation, amenorrhea. Ayurvedic literature reveals that papaya leaf extract has haemostatic properties and recent studies revealed its ability on platelet augmentation in cyclophosphamide induced thrombocytopenia rat model. Benefits of papaya are owed due to high content of vitamin A, B and C, proteolytic enzymes like papain and chymopapain which have antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties. It can be chosen as a source of papain for the development of various industrial and pharmaceutical products. In the present review, nutritional value of fruit and medicinal properties of its various parts and side/toxic effects as well have been discussed to provide beneficial information on papaya.

Keywords: Proteolytic enzymes, antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial etc.