DEPARTMENT OF BOTANY
MEDICINAL PLANTS

Carica papaya L.

Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya or pawpaw, is a tropical fruit-bearing plant native to Central America but now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is known for its sweet, juicy fruit and its numerous health benefits, making it an important fruit both in the culinary and medicinal domains.
Botanical Details:
• Scientific Name: Carica papaya L.
• Family: Caricaceae
• Genus: Carica
• Species: papaya
Common Names:
• English: Papaya, Pawpaw
• Malayalam: കപ്പളങ്ങ, ഓമക്കായ്, പപ്പായ
• Tamil: பப்பாளி Pappali
Synonyms:
• Carica peltata (Jacq.) Willd.
• Carica cauliflora Ruiz & Pav.
• Carica subgenus Vasconcellea (a group of related species often mistaken for C. papaya)
Botanical Description:
1. Plant Characteristics:
o Carica papaya is a large, herbaceous plant that can grow up to 5–10 meters (16–33 feet) tall. Despite its tree-like appearance, it is technically a large herb with a soft, succulent trunk.
o The plant has large, deeply lobed leaves that are arranged in a spiral pattern at the top of the stem. These leaves can be up to 45 cm (18 inches) in diameter.
o The plant is unbranched with a single stem topped with a crown of large leaves.
Uses:
1. Culinary Uses:
o Fruit: The ripe fruit is sweet and is commonly eaten fresh. It can be used in smoothies, fruit salads, desserts, or juices. It is also used in tropical salsas and chutneys.
o Unripe Fruit: Green papaya is often used in savory dishes, especially in soups, curries, and salads (e.g., the famous Thai green papaya salad).
o Seeds: Papaya seeds are edible and have a peppery flavor. They are often dried and ground into a spicy powder or used as a pepper substitute in cooking.
o Leaves: The young leaves of the papaya plant are sometimes cooked as a vegetable in certain regions.
2. Medicinal Uses:
o Digestive Health: Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which is used as a digestive aid. Papain helps in breaking down proteins, making papaya a popular ingredient in meat tenderizers and digestive supplements.
 Papain is also used in wound healing, as it helps break down dead tissue.
o Anthelmintic Properties: Papaya seeds have been traditionally used as a natural deworming agent.
o Anti-inflammatory: Papaya is used in traditional medicine to treat inflammation and pain associated with conditions like arthritis and rheumatism.
o Immune Boosting: The fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is known to help strengthen the immune system and fight off infections.
o Skin Care: Papaya is often used in topical applications for skin care. It contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that help in exfoliating the skin, promoting a smoother, brighter complexion.
 The pulp is used in face masks and scrubs, while papaya oil is used in moisturizing and anti-aging treatments.
o Blood Sugar Control: Some studies suggest that papaya extracts can help in controlling blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes.
3. Nutritional Benefits:
o Rich in Vitamins: Papaya is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), and folate.
o Minerals: Papayas are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and maintain proper heart function.
o Antioxidants: The fruit contains several antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.