The fruit of the papaya (Carica papaya) offers a sweet melon-like flavor, making it a tasty fruit choice. In addition to its succulent fruit, papaya contains papain, a raw enzyme that may have beneficial effects when consumed with meals. The PDR for Herbal Medicines reports that papaya enzyme has a long history of use in natural medicine. Papain, however, contains latex and if you have a latex allergy, you should not take papaya enzyme supplements.
Indigestion
Papaya enzyme supplements sell under the designation of "digestive aids." The papain enzyme may assist in breaking down food in the stomach, which may reduce heartburn, acid reflux and other gastrointestinal conditions. In addition to tablets, look for chewing gum that contains the papaya enzyme.
WH Foods.com reports the benefits of papaya enzymes in reducing the risk of colon cancer. The fiber from the supplement may assist in binding toxins in the colon that could turn cancerous. Medical studies do not support that claim, however.
Inflammation
In addition to papain, papaya contains chymopapain, and together, these enzymes may be beneficial in treating medical conditions related to inflammation, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Consult an herbalist or a doctor of naturopathy before starting a program that includes using these supplements to treat your inflammatory condition.
Peptic Ulcers
As the papaya enzymes break down food particles in the digestive system, the stomach may produce less acid during digestion, which may reduce the pain of peptic ulcers, according to the PDR. You may chew the supplements or allow them to dissolve in your mouth. If you have a bleeding ulcer, do not take papaya supplements.
Additional Benefits
Dr. Grossan, Ear, Nose and Throat consultant, recommends allowing papaya supplements to dissolve in the mouth, or swallowing the papain-laced saliva to reduce throat swelling or symptoms due to sinus inflammation.
The PDR reports that the enzyme may also reduce pain, but do not take the supplement in higher dosages than recommended on the package unless directed by your doctor. If you're pregnant, consult your doctor before taking papaya enzyme supplements.
References
- Whole Foods: Papaya
- Dr. Grossnan: Ear Nose and Throat: Papaya Enzyme
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd Edition, Joerg Gruenwald, PhD, 2000
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