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The surprising health benefits of papaya seeds: A review

Authors:

Abstract

The study mainly focused on the secret behind the papaya seed against cancer. Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is well known for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties throughout the world. The whole plant including its fruit, leaves, seed, root, bark, juice and latex obtain from papaya plant used as nutritionally, medicinally and for various other purposes. A papaya in vitro study shows that it will treat many cancer cell line and papaya physiochemical having anticancer activities. Papaya is rich in enzyme papain which is effective against cancer. Papain breaks down the fibrin cancer cell wall and protein into amino acid form. Other than papain it also contain lycopene which highly reactive towards oxygen and free radical. Isothiocyanate contained in papaya seed, work well for colon, breast, lung, leukemia and prostrate cancer. These enzymes capable of inhibiting both formation and development of cancer cell.
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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry 2017; 6(1): 424-429
E-ISSN: 2278-4136
P-ISSN: 2349-8234
JPP 2017; 6(1): 424-429
Received: 24-11-2016
Accepted: 25-12-2016
Dr. Neethu S Kumar
Assistant Professor, Post
Graduate Department and
Research Centre of Botany,
Mahatma Gandhi College,
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, India
Sreeja Devi PS
Post Graduate and Research
Centre, Department of Botany,
Mahatma Gandhi College,
Kesavadasapuram,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala,
India
Correspondence
Dr. Neethu S Kumar
Assistant Professor, Post
Graduate Department and
Research Centre of Botany,
Mahatma Gandhi College,
Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala, India
The surprising health benefits of papaya seeds: A
review
Dr. Neethu S Kumar, Sreeja Devi PS
Abstract
The study mainly focused on the secret behind the papaya seed against cancer. Papaya (Carica papaya
Linn.) is well known for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties throughout the world. The
whole plant including its fruit, leaves, seed, root, bark, juice and latex obtain from papaya plant used as
nutritionally, medicinally and for various other purposes. A papaya in vitro study shows that it will treat
many cancer cell line and papaya physiochemical having anticancer activities. Papaya is rich in enzyme
papain which is effective against cancer. Papain breaks down the fibrin cancer cell wall and protein into
amino acid form. Other than papain it also contain lycopene which highly reactive towards oxygen and
free radical. Isothiocyanate contained in papaya seed, work well for colon, breast, lung, leukemia and
prostrate cancer. These enzymes capable of inhibiting both formation and development of cancer cell.
Keywords: Papain, Lycopene, anticancer
1. Introduction
Papaya belongs to a small family caricaceae having four genera in world. The genus carica L.
is represented by four species in India, of which Carica papaya L. is the most widely
cultivated and the best-known species (Jean et al., 2011) [24]. It is commonly known as Papaya
Melon tree, Pawpaw or Papau, Kapaya, Lapaya, Papyas, Papye, Tapayas, Fan mu gua, papita,
arand- kharpuja, papayabaum and papaya (Bhattachrjee, 2001) [10]. The taxonomical
classification includes Kingdom (Plantae), Order (Brassicales), Family (Caricaceae), Genus
(Carica) and Species (papaya). Papaya is probably originated in southern Mexico and Costa
Rica, subsequently got introduced in Australia, Hawaii, Philippines, Sri Lanka, South Africa,
India and all tropical and subtropical regions. It is growing both commercially and in home
garden (Marotta et al., 2006) [32]. A study conducted by University of Florida researchers Nam
Dang and colleagues in Japan has documented papaya’s powerful anticancer properties and its
impact on numerous lab-grown-tumors.
The papaya seed contain fatty acids, crude protein, crude fibre, papaya oil, carpaine, caricin,
glucotropaeolin, benzyl glucosinolates, benzyl Isothiocyanate, benzyl thiourea, hentriacontane,
ß-sitostrol, caressing and an enzyme myrosin. The seeds and the pulp of Carica papaya
contain benzyl glucosinolate which can be hydrolyzed by myrosinase to produce benzyl
isothiocyanate. Seed extracts have profound bactericidal activity. The seeds of unripe fruits are
rich in benzyl isothiocyanate, a sulphur containing chemical that has been reported to be an
effective germicide and insecticide. These substances are important for plant natural defense
mechanisms (El Moussaoui et al., 2001) [16]. Medicinal uses of papaya seed are carminative,
anti-fertility agent in males, counter irritant, as a paste in the treatment of ringworm, psoriasis,
emmenagogue, vermifuge, liver cirrhosis and abortifacient. Seed juice is used for bleeding
piles, enlarged liver and pectoral properties. Seed paste is used as anthelmintic, stimulation of
menstruation or abortion.
Carica papaya seeds were approved and confirmed in some studies for their effective
anthelmintic properties against nematodes found in animals (Chota A., 2010) [13]. Chinoy et
al., (2006) [12] proved the anti-fertility, anti-implantation and abortifacient properties of
extracts from papaya seeds. It has been established in males that the seeds of C. papaya are
potential anti-fertility drugs (Lohiya et al., 2005) [30]. Pawpaw seeds are used to produce an
indigenous Nigerian food condiment called ‘daddawa’, the Hausa word for a fermented food
condiment (Dakare, 2004) [15]. Fermented seeds have no effects on litters of rats (Abdulazeez
et al., 2009) [1], whereas, those effects were apparent when the unfermented extract was
administered (Abdulazeez, 2008) [2]. Anthelmintic activity of papaya seed has been
predominantly attributed to carpaine (an alkaloid) and carpasemine (later identified as benzyl
thiourea). Carpaine has an intensively bitter taste and a strong depressant action on health.
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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
It is present not only in papaya fruit and seed but also in its
leaves. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), the main bioactive
compound in C. papaya seeds (Kermanshai et al., 2001) [25]
has been shown to be responsible for the anti-fertility effect
(Adebiyi et al., 2003) [4]. BITC is capable of damaging the
endometrium, making the uterus non-receptive and, thus,
affecting adversely the implantation (Adebiyi et al., 2003) [4].
Seeds are also a rich source of amino acids; scented oil was
extracted, used in treatment of sickle cell disease and
poisoning related disorders (Saran and Choudhary, 2013)
[45,46]. Papain is used in food processing to tenderize meat,
clarify beer and juice, produce chewing gum, coagulate milk,
prepare cereals, and produce pet food, also to treat wool and
silk before dying, de-hair hides before tanning, adjunct in
rubber manufacturing and proteolytic enzymes (papain and
chymopapain). Papaya seeds are rich source of amino acids
especially in the sarcotesta. A yellow to brown, faintly
scented oil was extracted from the sundried, powdered seeds
of unripe papayas at the Central Food Technological Research
Institute, Mysore, India. White seeds yielded 16.1% and black
seeds 26.8% and it was suggested that the oil might have
edible and industrial uses. Air dried papaya seeds with honey
showed significant effect on human intestinal parasites
without significant side effect. Consumption of papaya seed is
cheap, natural, harmless, readily available, mono-therapeutic
and prevent against intestinal parasitosis especially in tropical
communities.
Under diverse agro-climatic conditions of North Bihar, the
autumn sown crop is best suited for seed production (Ram and
Ray, 1992; Singh et al., 2010) [42, 48]. Quality seed production
suffer from several limiting factors including physiological
disorders. Different nutrient deficiencies of boron, zinc and
sulphur and environmental stresses cause several
physiological disorders such as bumpy fruit which may lead
to deformed/discolored seeds. Discolored seeds, vivipary
seeds (Saha, 2007; Saran et al., 2013a) [44] and white seeds
(disturbed sarcotesta) were identified as new physiological
disorders of papaya under diverse agro-climatic conditions of
India. During seed development period, proper temperature
also plays an important role. Keeping a fore-mentioned facts
in mind, the present study was conducted on the varietal
screening for bumpiness; morphology and economics of
bumpy fruits, deformed/discolored seeds, vivipary and white
seeds (disturbed sarcotesta) and relationship between
temperature and disorders (deformed seed and vivipary).
Increasing anecdotal reports of its effects in cancer treatment
and prevention, with many successful cases, have warranted
that these pharmacological properties be scientifically
validated. A bibliographic search was conducted using the
key words "papaya", "anticancer", and "antitumor" along with
cross-referencing. No clinical or animal cancer studies were
identified and only seven in vitro cell-culture-based studies
were reported; these indicate that C. papaya extracts may alter
the growth of several types of cancer cell lines. However,
many studies focused on specific compounds in papaya and
reported bioactivity including anticancer effects. This review
summarizes the results of extract-based or specific compound-
based investigations and emphasizes the aspects that warrant
future research to explore the bioactives in C. papaya for their
anticancer activities.
According to the Journal of Ethno pharmacology published on
the 17th of February, 2010, international doctors and
researchers from US and Japan have discovered that enzymes
found in Papaya Leaf Tea have dramatic cancer-fighting
properties against a broad range of tumors. A study conducted
by University of Florida researchers Nam Dang and
colleagues in Japan has documented papaya’s powerful
anticancer properties and impact numerous lab-grown-tumors.
Another important use of the papaya seed could prevent or
possibly even treat food poisoning. The seeds of papaya are
believed to have strong anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory
effect on our digestive system. Studies have shown that an
extract made from papaya seed is effective in killing E.coli,
Salmonella, Staphylococus and other dangerous bacterial
infections. There are even reports of using papaya seeds to
successfully treating viral infections such as Dengue fever in
parts of Central America like Costa Rica.
2. Anti-amoebic activity
The study suggested that the cold macerated aqueous extract
of matured papaya seeds (100 µ/mL) showed significant anti-
amoebic activity against Entamoeba histolytica.
3. Anti-ulcer activity
Aqueous seed extract of C. papaya at the dose of 50 mg/ kg
and 100 mg/kg against alcohol induced acute gastric damage
and blood oxidative stress in rats. The gastric acidity was
significantly reduced in rats treated with 100 mg/kg of the
extract.
4. Anthelmintic
The dried papaya seeds gives as elixir with honey have shown
significant effect on the human intestinal parasites, without
significant side effects. Benzylisothiocynate, present in seeds
is the chief anthelmintic.
5. Effect on smooth muscles
Ethanol extract of papaya seeds at 0.1-6.4 mg/mL showed
concentration dependent inhibition of jejunam contraction and
found significantly irreversible. Thus the extract is capable of
weakening the contractile capability of isolated rabbit
jejunam.
6. Administration dependent antioxidant effect
Seeds are the less exploited part thus this study is aimed at
assessing the antioxidant activities of the C. papaya seeds
water extract against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidative
stress in human skin Detroit 550 fibroblasts. C. papaya seeds
water extract is not toxic and acts as a potent free radical
scavenger, providing protection to Detroit 550 fibroblasts that
underwent H2O2 oxidative stress. Study show that (1) the
maximum protective effect is achieved by the simultaneous
administration of the extract with 1 mmol/L H2O2; (2) the
extract in presence of an oxidative stress does not increase
catalase activity and prevents the release of cytochrome C and
the inner mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss; (3) the
extract is more efficient than vitamin C to hamper the
oxidative damage; (4) the purified subtractions of the seeds
water extract exert the same antioxidant effect of whole
extract. In conclusion, C. papaya seed water extract is
potentially useful for protection against oxidative stress.
7. Immuno- modulatory activity
Chemical constituents of the C. papaya seed extract and its
bioactive fraction were examined in vitro using lymphocyte
proliferation assays and complement-mediated haemolytic
assay.
8. Selected studies on pharmaceutical application of
Carica papaya on laboratory animals
The effects of Carica papaya on laboratory animals have been
reported as remarkable antifertility natural medicine
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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
(Owoyele et al., 2008 & Lohiya et al., 2006) [37, 29]. Treating
rats with papaya extract in a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for
periods of 1 and 8 weeks revealed pronounced hypertrophy in
sperm characteristics and its ultra-structure. Rats treated with
a lower dose of 50 mg/kg showed mild hypertrophy and
hyperplasia effects in the mentioned characteristics. However,
gradual degeneration of the Sertoli cells, Leydig cells
germinal epithelium and germ cells were also been reported
(Manivannan et al., 2009) [31]. These findings were strongly
supported by other studies in which rats were given oral doses
of 50, 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg methanolic extract of C.
papaya seeds for 28 and 90day periods (Lohiya et al.,
2006) [29]. It was found that in the rats treated with doses of
50, 100 mg/kg of the extract the density of the sperm
decreased whereas in the rats treated with the dose of 500
mg/kg levels for the same period, the interval total sperm
motility was inhibited. Similar findings were reported in
dosedependent study in which suppression of aqueous C.
papaya seed extract on sperm motility in mice was
investigated and revealed that with high dosages of the
extract, decrease in both sperm count and viability were
observed (Verma et al., 2006) [58].
Aqueous extract of C. papaya seeds at doses of 100400
mg/kg/day was investigated for its effects on hypolipidemic,
cardioprotective parameters in normal male Wistar rats for 30
days (Adeneye et al., 2009) [5]. Three groups of rats were
orally administered either with extract of Carica papaya seed
at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day of the extract or 0.1
mg/kg/day of glibenclamide or 10 ml/kg/day of distilled water
(control) for a period of 30 days. The results showed that
Carica papaya extract significantly (p<0.05) lowered the total
cholesterol, serum triglyceride, fasting blood glucose and
significantly (p<0.05) reduced the density of lipoprotein
cholesterol in a dose dependent manner compared to the
untreated control rats. A single oral dose at 2,000 mg/kg or
5,000 mg/kg of methanolic and aqueous extracts of whole
unripe extract of Carica papaya seeds were tested for their
toxic effects in rats and they did not elicit signs of toxicity in
the treated animals (Ezike et al., 2009) [17]. This study was in
a good agreement with the previous investigated study
(Lohiya et al., 2006) [29]. It was also found that rats orally
administrated with methanolic extract of Carica papaya seeds
daily for long term affected sperm parameters of the rats such
as motility, viability and count (Goyal et al., 2010) [19].
Recently, extract of Carica papaya leaves was investigated
for its toxicity (Halim et al., 2011) [21]. In the study, Sprague
Dawley rats received fixed doses of 5, 50, 300 and 2000
mg/kg of the extract and observed for 14 days. The given
doses even at the higher level (2000 mg/kg) did not produce
mortality or significant changes in body weight or food and
water consumption. The investigated rats did not show signs
of toxicity and no deaths were observed. In addition, normal
relative weights of the internal organs were observed.
However, significant increases in hemoglobin (HGB),
hematocrit (HCT), red blood cell (RBC) and total protein
were recorded indicating dehydration.
10. Studies on morphological and quantitative traits
The observations were recorded from December, 2008 to
May, 2013. The average monthly temperature was recorded
from IARI RS Pusa observatory. Morphological observations
were recorded for fruit surface, seed attachment, seed color,
seed surface, sarcotesta, removal of sarcotesta and vivipary in
both varieties namely, Pusa Dwarf and Pune Selection-3. The
fruits of Pusa Dwarf were observed with vivipary and
morphological observation for fruit surface, seed attachment,
seed color, seed surface, seed size, sarcotesta and removal of
sarcotesta during fruit harvesting (initia-tion of colour turning
stage) and seed extraction. The data were also recorded on the
total number of seeds/fruit, number of normal seeds/fruit,
number of deformed seeds/fruit, white seeds/fruit, vivipary
seeds/fruit, deformed seeds (%), seed harvest (%) and
economic losses (Rs/ha) in Pusa Dwarf at seed crop
harvesting (December to May) due to deformed seed disorder
in autumn crop. Each fruit was cut into two equal halves for
observing the incidence. The deformed/discolored seeds were
recorded by counting the seeds in different categories. An
economic loss was estimated by calculating the seed yield per
unit area in kilograms. Loss was estimated by observing seed
harvest (normal and deformed percent) in particular months
and multiplied by our sale price (at Rs. 40,000/kg).
Relationship between average monthly temperatures, time of
fruit harvest and seed disorders, namely, deformed seed and
vivipary seeds from December to May were shown during the
study years.
11. The cytotoxic effect of C. papaya extract has been
tested in various cancer cell lines in vitro studies
summarized in table
Cancer Cell
Line
Treatment
Result
Reference
Acute
promyelotic
leukemia HL-60
cells
n-hexane extract of papaya
seed or pulp (0.1 100
_g/mL),Pure benzyl
isothiocyanate (10 _M)
Extract of seed: Dose dependently inhibited the superoxide
generation (IC50 = 10 _g/mL) and the viability of cells
(IC50 = 20 _g/mL), comparable to that of pure benzyl
isothiocyanate. Extract pulp had no effects at 100g/mL
Nakamura et
al., 2006 [35]
9. Phytochemicals in C. papaya with Reported Anticancer
Activities
Carica papaya contains a broad spectrum of phytochemicals
including enzymes (in the latex), Carotenoids (in fruits and
seeds), alkaloids (in leaves), phenolics (in fruits, leaves, and
shoots), glucosinolate (in seeds and fruits) (Krishna et al.,
2008; Parle et al., 2011) [27, 40]. Some important
phytochemicals found in C. papaya are Lycopene,
Betacarotinoid, Benzyl isothiocyanate, Betacryptoxanthin,
Benzylglucosinolate, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid,
protocatechuic acid, Quercetin etc. Among more than 5000
compounds from plants that have been identified to be
associated with anticancer properties (Huang et al., 2009) [23],
three groups of bioactive compounds-phenolics, Carotenoids,
and glucosinolate-have attracted considerable interest in
anticancer studies. Pure compounds of these three groups
have been extensively researched in vivo and in vitro studies
on many types of cell lines for their potential effects in cancer
treatment and prevention. These bio actives act via multiple
mechanisms such as cancer cell signalling, proliferation,
apoptosis, migration, invasion, as well as angiogenesis and
carcinogen elimination (Huang et al., 2009; Zhang et al.,
2004; Thornalley et al., 2002; Nakamura et al., 2006; Wu et
al., 2009; Navarro et al., 2011; Wahle et al., 2011; Soobrattee
et al., 2006; Tanaka et al., 2012; Van Breemen et al., 2011)
[23, 62, 52, 35, 60, 36, 59, 49, 51, 57] to exhibit in vitro and in vivo
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Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
anticancer activities.
12. Papaya is Rich Source of Enzyme Papain which is
Effective against Cancer
Papain is an endolytic plant cysteine protease enzyme which
is isolated from papaya (Carica papaya L.). It preferentially
cleaves peptide bonds involving basic amino acids,
particularly arginine, lysine and residues following
phenylalanine. (Menard et al., 1990) [33] The unique structure
of papain gives its functionality that helps to understand how
this proteolytic enzyme works and it’s useful for a variety of
purposes. (Carica papaya L.).
Many cancer cells having a protective coating of fibrin. That
is why they go undetected for many months and years. Papain
breaks down that fibrin coat of cancer cell wall. So ultimately
it helps diagnose cancer cells.
13. Mechanism of Functions of Papain
The mechanism in which the function of papain is made
possible is through the cysteine-25 portion of the triad in the
active site that attacks the carbonyl carbon in the backbone of
the peptide chain freeing the amino terminal portion. As this
occurs throughout the peptide chains of the protein, the
protein breaks apart. The mechanism by which it breaks
peptide bonds involves deprotonation of Cys-25 by His-159.
Asparagine-175 helps to orient the imidazole ring of His-159
to allow this deprotonation to take place. Although far apart
within the chain, these three amino acids are in close
proximity due to the folding structure. It is though these three
amino acids working together in the active site that provides
this enzyme with its unique functions. Cys-25 then performs a
nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl carbon of a peptide
backbone. (Menard et al., 1990; Tsuge et al., 1999) [33, 55] In
the active site of papain, Cys -25 and His -159 are thought to
be catalytically active as a thiolate imidazolium ion pair.
Papain can be efficiently inhibited by peptidyl or non-peptidyl
N-nitrosoanilines. (Guo et al.,1995) [20]. The inactivation is
due to the formation of a stable S-NO bond in the active site
(Snitroso- Cys25) of papain. (Xian et al., 2000) [61]
14. Papaya is a Store-House of Cancer Fighting Lycopene
Lycopene is a member of the carotenoid family, which is
synthesized by many plants and microorganisms. It is a highly
unsaturated open straight chain hydrogen compound
consisting of 11conjugated and 2 unconjugated double bonds
(Stahl et al., 1992; Knachik et al., 2002; Rao et al., 2006) [50,
26, 43]. The red color of many fruits and vegetables is due to the
presence of lycopene. Because of the presence of double
bonds in the structure of lycopene, it can exist in both the cis
and Trans isomeric forms. Lycopene is present in foods
primarily in the all-trans isomeric form, (Cliton, 1998) [14]
However, it can undergo monoor poly-isomerization by light,
thermal energy, and chemical reactions to the cis isomeric
form. It is highly stable at high temperatures and can be
stored. (Agrawal et al., 2001) [6].
15. Isothiocyanate Found in Papaya Restore the Cell Cycle
to Eliminate Cancer
Organo-sulfur compounds called isothiocyanate are found in
papaya. In animal experiments, isothiocyanate protects
against cancers of the breast, lung, colon pancreas, and
prostate, as well as leukemia, and they have the potential to
prevent cancer in humans. Isothiocyanate have shown that
they are capable of inhibiting both the formation and
development of cancer cells through multiple pathways and
mechanisms (Barbara, October-2008) [8]. Researchers in Japan
clarified the mechanisms of action in a type of isothiocyanate
found in papaya known as BITC. That underlies the
relationship between cell cycle regulation and appropriate cell
death. When cancerous cells die on schedule, they are no
longer a problem. The researchers established that BITC
exerted cancer cell killing effects that were greater in the
proliferating cells than in the quiescent cells. Cancer cells that
are proliferating are much more dangerous than cancer cells
that are in a state of dormancy (Barbara, 2009) [9].
16. Conclusion
Carica papaya is an important and promising natural
medicinal plant which could be utilized in several
pharmaceutical and medical applications because of its
effectiveness, availability and safety. The papaya plant has
been touted by traditional hearlers for counties as source of
powerful medicine. Slice open a papaya and see hundreds of
shiny black seeds that all need to get there start in life from
the nutrition found in the fruit. Papaya promotes immune
system. Papaya is potent cancer fighter that is highly effective
against hormone related to cancer as well as other cancer.
Papaya can stop the growth of cancer cell, halt metastasis and
normalize cell cycle. Fruit and seed disorders in papaya cause
great economic losses in seed production during autumn sown
crop. We observed that Pune Selection-3 and Pusa Dwarf
were the most susceptible germplasm lines for bumpy fruit
and deformed seed disorders, while vivipary and white seeds
(disturbed sarcotesta) are a serious economic problem only in
Pusa Dwarf. The challenges that Indian Agriculture faces in
the coming years remain enormous. The seed production in
papaya with 100% genetic purity is difficult because of
dioecious nature of the plant. Therefore, the seed should be
produced either strictly under controlled condition or in an
isolated area.
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... The challenge and opportunities of discovering effective plant extracts for disease prevention or to boost human health and developing them as sources of functional food ingredients has worldwide interest. Carica papaya L. (papaw or papaya) is an herbaceous fruit-bearing plant belonging to the family Caricaceae [1]. Papaya is grown well in both tropical and subtropical regions, with its origins in Central America and Mexico [1]. ...
... Carica papaya L. (papaw or papaya) is an herbaceous fruit-bearing plant belonging to the family Caricaceae [1]. Papaya is grown well in both tropical and subtropical regions, with its origins in Central America and Mexico [1]. Papaya, ...
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... Papaya seeds have been used as a vermifuge, anti-fertility agent, and to treat liver cirrhosis and parasitic infections [46]. Studies have identified potential health benefits of papaya seeds, including its antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities [47]. ...
... Studies have identified potential health benefits of papaya seeds, including its antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities [47]. Papaya seed extract has shown promise as a treatment for amoebiasis [46]. Also, papaya seeds are rich in phytochemicals and nutrients, making them a helpful addition to the diet and useful as a nutraceutical [48]. ...
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Plant seeds have been used for thousands of years for their nutritional, medicinal, and culinary benefits. Contemporary medical research is investigating plant seeds' therapeutic potential for improving and treating human diseases. Plant seeds contain bioactive components such as phytochemicals, polyphenols, and lignans, which express antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial effects. They are being studied for their potential to treat various medical afflictions, including hyperglycemia and diabetes, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders, and eye and skin disorders. Clinical trials are investigating the therapeutic value of various plant seeds-based drugs to act on inflammation, cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Plant seed extracts have also been found to exhibit antitumor effects. However, limitations and challenges exist for using plant seeds in medical care. Standardization in seed preparation is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy. The lack of awareness of appropriate dosages for treatment and lack of quality control in production raise concerns about adverse health outcomes with their use. Regulatory challenges remain to incorporate plant seeds-based treatments in medical care and develop practical and comprehensive guidelines for their use. Clinical studies remain limited regarding the therapeutic potential of plant seeds. Also noted in this paper is plant seeds' potential as an alternative to synthetic pharmaceuticals. Their natural availability makes them a promising source for developing low-cost treatment options and improving quality of life (QoL).
... Although other ice cream flavors are common, papaya is soft, sweet, and healthy, especially for kids who don't like papaya fruit (Bhargavi and Kusuma, 2017). The nutritional and therapeutic benefits of papaya have gained widespread recognition (Egbuonu, 2017;Kumar and PS, 2017). Patil et al. (2014) studied the effect of adding papaya pulp (PP) on the physicochemical characteristics and product cost. ...
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... used as an alternative protein feed ingredient in poultry rations. With crude protein of 24-30%(Muazu et al., 2020, Kumar et al., 2017,Santoset al., 2014, Seshamamba et al., 2018, papaya seed meal may be exploited as the alternative protein feed ingredient for poultry. In the context of protein digestibility, (El-Safyet al., 2012) reported that in vitro protein digestibility of papaya seed meal was 80.7%. ...
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This study is aimed to evaluate the effect of broiler chickens fed diets containing pawpaw (Carica papaya) seed oil (PSO) as a feed additive on growth performance and phytochemical of broiler chicken. Five experimental diets each were formulated during the starter (1-28days) and finisher (29-56days) phases such that the basal diets were supplemented with 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 % respectively. Pawpaw seed oil. A total of 195 day-old Arbor Acre chicks were randomly allocated to the five dietary treatments comprising of three replicates each in a completely randomized design. Phytochemical analysis of CSO showed that it contained flavonoids, Phytate, Oxalate, Saponnis, and Tanninsat 9.07%,1.30%,0.02%,2.88%,4.77%respectively. Weight gain revealed that birds in treatment 3, 4 and 5 had the highest weight gain of 1899.9 g, 1960.8 g and 2300.2 g followed by treatment 2 (1790.5 g) and treatment 1 (1755.2 g) (p<0.05). Total feed intake and mortality were not influenced by the treatment (p>0.05). It was concluded that dietary supplemention of PSO up to 0.4 ml in the diet of broilers without causing any deleterious effect on their growth performance.
... The aqueous extract from C. papaya seeds is safe and serves as a strong scavenger of free radicals, shielding Detroit 550 fibroblasts from the oxidative damage caused by H2O2 [40]. HPLC analysis of CSE was as the same as determined by Abdel-Aty et al., [41]. ...
Chapter
Carica papaya is a perennial, herbaceous plant that is renowned for its wide range of biological functions. Various components of this plant, including seeds, leaves, fruits, peels, roots, and stems, have previously been documented to exhibit nutritional and therapeutic properties. This plant is highly nutritious, containing a wealth of vitamins and natural minerals, while being low in calories. Furthermore, each component of this plant has been utilized for the treatment of various ailments, such as wound healing, antibacterial properties, anthelminthic effects, conventional contraception, and numerous other applications. These findings emerged from the in vitro and in vivo investigations carried out on the extracts derived from various components of C. papaya. By providing an awareness of the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer benefits that are attributed to a range of phytochemicals, this topic offers a comprehension of the historical medicinal applications of phytochemicals as well as the contemporary significance of these compounds. Among the enzymes that are responsible for the digestive health benefits that are highlighted, papain and chymopapain are two examples of enzymes that are responsible for some of the benefits. This chapter aims to comprehensively explore the medicinal and nutritional importance of Carica papaya in the context of human health. By understanding the enzymatic composition, antioxidant capacity, and phytochemical profile of papaya, we seek to provide a nuanced understanding of its therapeutic potential. As a result, the fruit’s potential as a holistic health-promoting agent is demonstrated. The purpose of this research is to gain a comprehensive knowledge and usage of the entire spectrum of the medicinal and nutritional potential of Carica papaya, with the end goal of contributing to a more profound assimilation of this tropical jewel into human health and well-being.
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Papaya seeds (PSs) are healthy, delicious, and rarely used. Moderate consumption of these tiny, spherical seeds is beneficial for menstruation pain, cancer, and weight loss. Heart-friendly too. PSs cleanse, hydrate, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion. PSs contain fiber, protein, and fat. Minerals and vitamins abound. Carotenoids, glucosinolates, isothiocyanates, and tocopherol are extensively studied as antiproliferative agents against cancerous cells and for modifying cell signaling, preventing proliferation, inducing apoptosis, and preventing migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Papaya seed chemicals initially boost Th1-type cytokine production. Papaya suppresses hematopoietic cells such as Jurkat, ARH77, Raji, Karpas-299, and HL-60. Papaya decreases renal cell cancer. Papaya extracts affect cancer cells. PSs inhibit IL-6, TNF-α, PC-3, and MCF-7 cancer cells. PSs were effective against colon, leukemia, lung, liver, breast, and prostate cancer.. Papaya extract destroys cancer cells in vitro. This chapter highlights PSs’ plant-based compounds and antiproliferative properties on cancer cell lines.
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The precocious germination of seeds was observed in fruits of Carica papaya L. variety Madhubindu while they were still attached to the parent plant (vivipary), which is a native diversity observed in the local gene pool. In vitro culture study was done to maintain and propagate this variety because such native diversity by and large, face maintenance and conservation problems.
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Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is regarded as an excellent source of ascorbic acid, a good source of carotene, riboflavin and a fair source of iron, calcium, thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6 and vitamin K. Each and every part of papaya plant from root to shoot is used for medicament purposes. Ripe papaya fruit is used in jam, jelly, marmalade, puree, wine, nectar, juice, frozen slices, mixed beverages, ice-cream, powder, baby food, cooked in pie, pickled, sweet meat, concentrated and candied items. Young leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach, animal feed, tenderize meat, stomach trouble, purgative effects and abortion may result from consumption of the dried papaya leaves. The flowers are sometimes candied and used for making sprays. Papaya seeds are rich source of amino acids; scented oil was extracted, used in treatment of sickle cell disease and poisoning related disorders. Papain is used in food processing to tenderize meat, clarify beer and juice, produce chewing gum, coagulate milk, prepare cereals, and produce pet food, also to treat wool and silk before dying, de-hair hides before tanning, adjunct in rubber manufacturing and proteolytic enzymes (papain and chymopapain). In folk medicine, latex is used on boils, warts, freckles, abortion, expel roundworms, salt making, relieve asthma stomach troubles, purgative for horses, treatment for genito-urinary ailments, tumer destroying, making herbal tea, digestive and aid in chronic indigestion, weight loss, obesity, arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, blood purifier and weakening of heart etc. It has also several antibiotic, allergic, antinutritional and toxic properties.
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Papaya (Carica papaya linn) is well known for its exceptional nutritional and medicinal properties throughout the world. From the times immemorial, the whole Papaya plant including its leaves, seeds, ripe and unripe fruits and their juice is used as a traditional medicine. The fruit has a large oval shape, yellowish-green skin and yellow flesh. Nowadays, Papaya is considered as a Nutraceutical fruit due to its multi-faceted medicinal properties. The prominent medicinal properties of Papaya include Anti-fertility, Uterotonic, Diuretic, Anti-hypertensive, Hypolipidemic, Anti-helmintic, Wound-healing, Anti-fungal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-tumor and Free radical scavenging activities. Phytochemically, the whole plant contains enzymes (Papain), carotenoids, alkaloids, monoterpenoids, flavonoids, minerals and vitamins. In the present review article, a humble attempt is made to compile all the strange facts available about this tasty fruit. This tasty fruit of Papaya is popular among family members of all ages for the delicious dishes derived from it.
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Carica papaya is widely used in folk medicine as herbal remedy to prevent, protect against, and cure several diseases. These curative properties are based on the presence in different parts of the plant of phytochemical nutrients with antioxidant effect. Seeds are the less exploited part; thus this study is aimed at assessing the antioxidant activities of the C. papaya seeds water extract against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) oxidative stress in human skin Detroit 550 fibroblasts. C. papaya seeds water extract is not toxic and acts as a potent free radical scavenger, providing protection to Detroit 550 fibroblasts that underwent H2O2 oxidative stress. Data show that (i) the maximum protective effect is achieved by the simultaneous administration of the extract with 1 mM H2O2; (ii) the extract in presence of an oxidative stress does not increase catalase activity and prevents the release of cytochrome C and the inner mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψ m ) loss; (iii) the extract is more efficient than vitamin C to hamper the oxidative damage; (iv) the purified subfractions of the seeds water extract exert the same antioxidant effect of whole extract. In conclusion, C. papaya seeds water extract is potentially useful for protection against oxidative stress.
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Carica papaya (CP) leaves are popularly used as food and have many traditional claims for herbal medicine. The leaf extract have been proven scientifically for their efficacy as wound healing and has protective effects against gastric damage in rats. However, toxicity study of the CP leaf extract is still lacking. The present study is to investigate the acute toxicity of CP leaf extract on Sprague Dawley rats at a dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight (BW). Sighting study was conducted in a stepwise procedure using the fixed doses of 5, 50, 300 and 2000 mg/kg BW. No signs of toxicity and no deaths were observed. Based on the sighting study, we selected a dose of 2000 mg/kg BW and were observed for 14 days. The study includes control and treatment group, each consisting of 5 female rats. The single oral dose of the CP leaf extract did not produce mortality or significant changes in the body weight, food and water consumption. The relative weights of the internal organs were normal. However, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), red blood cell (RBC) and total protein were significantly increase indicating dehydration. Apart from triglyceride, other biochemistry parameters demonstrated no significant changes as compared to the control.
Article
Systematic research work on papaya was started during 1966-67 at Indian Agricultural Research Institute Regional Station, Pusa, Bihar, India with an objective to breed the varieties of uniform, high yielding with better quality for wider adaptability. Four varieties viz., Pusa Delicious, Pusa Majesty (Gynodioecious), Pusa Giant and Pusa Dwarf (Dioecious) were developed through continuous sibmating and selection by conventional breeding. Pusa Nanha (Mutant dwarf) was developed through mutation breeding by treating the seeds of papaya strain Pusa 1-15 with 15 Kr gamma rays. Comprehensive studies on sex inheritance in inter and intra-varietal crosses of papaya were attempted and a significant deviation of male and hermaphrodite from the expected ratio was observed. Genetic constitution of sex reversing male in papaya was established. Standardized the production technology of papaya in respect to planting density, time, nutrition and papaya based cropping system under North Bihar conditions. A marked reduction in viral infection was found by transplanting the papaya in month of October with heavy manurial doses. A new fungal disease "bud and fruit stalk rot of papaya" was discovered and standardized its control measure. Seed production of papaya under controlled pollination and isolation were done and found that seed produced under controlled pollination maintains maximum varietal purity with very high cost and less seed where as seed produced in isolation is more with low cost.
Article
Papaya (Carica papaya Linn.) is commonly known for its food and nutritional values throughout the world. The medicinal properties of papaya fruit and other parts of the plant are also well known in traditional system of medicine. Since, each part of papaya tree possesses economic value, it is grown on commercial scale. During the last few decades considerable progress has been achieved regarding the biological activity and medicinal application of papaya and now it is considered as valuable nutraceutical fruit plant. 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 the fruit and medicinal properties of its various parts have been discussed to provide collective information on this multipurpose commercial fruit crop.
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Summary From the seeds ofCarica pappya a substance, m.p. 165° (C8H10N2S) has been isolated for the first time and named ‘Carpasemine’ to indicate its source. The chemical properties of ‘Carpasemine’ together with its degradation products have been studied and some new derivatives have been prepared from it. ‘Carpasemine’ has been identified to be benzylthiourea or benzylthiocarbamide by mixed melting point with the synthetically prepared benzylthiourea. The identity has also been confirmed through the mixed melting point of their derivatives.
Article
The effect of an aqueous extract of Carica papaya seed for 7 and 15 days on the physiology of rat ovaries and uterus was studied. The possible reversibility of the induced effects was also investigated. The results revealed that the effects were more pronounced in the ovary than in the uterus. The changes in biochemical profile of the ovary and uterus involved alterations in the levels of ascorbic acid, ascorbigen (ASG), ascorbic acid utilization (AUU), ascorbic acid macromolecular (AA-MM) complexing, ascorbic acid free radical (AA-FR) formation, total ascorbic acid and glutathione (GSH), cholesterol, protein and glycogen. The increase in ascorbate turnover is an adaptation to overcome the harmful effect of the extract. The fertility test was 100% negative and the oestrus cycle was irregular with a predominance of dioestrus. The uterine contractility was increased. The above mentioned changes indicate that the extract manifested antifertility, antiimplantation and abortifacient effects in the treated animals. The withdrawal of treatment overcame the adverse effects of the treatment in ovary and the uterus and restored fertility.