From the Guidelines
Papaya seeds are not recommended for consumption due to potential health risks, and their effects on human health are not well-studied, except for their use in traditional medicine and as a potential antiparasitic agent, as mentioned in a study on first aid guidelines 1. The available evidence on papaya seeds is limited, and most studies focus on the fruit or other parts of the plant. However, one study mentions the use of papain, an enzyme derived from papaya, as a local medicine for jellyfish stings, although it is considered less effective than other treatments 1. Some studies suggest that papaya seeds may have antiparasitic properties, but these findings are based on traditional medicine and animal studies, and more research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy in humans. In terms of preparation and consumption, there is no established guideline for papaya seeds, and their use is not widely recommended due to the lack of scientific evidence supporting their health benefits. It is essential to prioritize caution when considering the consumption of papaya seeds, as their potential health effects are not well-understood, and excessive consumption may cause digestive discomfort or other adverse reactions. Overall, the current evidence does not support the recommendation of papaya seeds as a dietary supplement or treatment for any health condition, and further research is needed to fully understand their potential health effects.
From the Research
Health Effects of Carica Papaya Seeds
The health effects of Carica papaya seeds have been studied in various research papers. Some of the key findings include:
- Antihelminthic and anti-amoebic activities: Carica papaya seeds have been shown to have antihelminthic and anti-amoebic activities, making them effective in treating human intestinal parasites 2.
- Antioxidant properties: Carica papaya seeds contain various chemical compounds with significant antioxidant properties, including caffeic acid, myricetin, rutin, quercetin, α-tocopherol, papain, benzyl isothiocyanate (BiTC), and kaempferol 3.
- Anthelmintic activity: Benzyl isothiocyanate is the chief or sole anthelmintic in papaya seed extracts, and its content correlates positively with anthelmintic activity 4.
- Effects on food consumption and adiposity: Papaya seed oil has been shown to reduce food intake and caloric intake, and has hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic, and hypoglycemic effects 5.
- Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Carica Papaya Linn. seeds extract has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and can protect against liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats 6.
Potential Health Benefits
Some potential health benefits of Carica papaya seeds include:
- Treatment of intestinal parasites: Carica papaya seeds may be effective in treating human intestinal parasites, with a stool clearance rate of 71.4% to 100% 2.
- Management of oxidative stress-related health conditions: Carica papaya seeds may help counteract oxidative stress via various mechanisms of action, and may be useful in managing health conditions driven by oxidative stress 3.
- Reduction of inflammation and fibrosis: Carica Papaya Linn. seeds extract may reduce inflammation and fibrosis induced by CCl4, and may have protective and treatment roles against hepatotoxicity 6.
- Hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic effects: Papaya seed oil may have hypocholesterolemic, hypotriglyceridemic, and hypoglycemic effects, making it potentially useful in managing metabolic disorders 5.