Papaya Leaves 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Papaya Leaves – 100 g ($13.99), 50 g ($8.99), 25 g ($5.99)

Benefits:
Nutrients and Compounds  Papayas are a high source of vitamin C. One small fruit provides about 95.6 milligrams (mg)  of vitamin C, which meets or exceeds the daily recommended intake for adult males (90 mg) and females (75 mg).

One medium papaya has approximately:

• 120 calories
• 30 g of carbohydrate — including 5 g of fiber and 18 g of sugar
• 2 g of protein

Papayas are also a suitable source of:

• folate
• vitamin A
• magnesium
• copper
• pantothenic acid
• fiber

They also have B vitamins, alpha and beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin E, calcium, potassium, vitamin K, and lycopene, the powerful antioxidant most commonly associated with tomatoes.

Blood Sugar  Papaya leaf is often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural therapy for treating diabetes and improving blood sugar control (5). Studies in mice with diabetes have found papaya leaf extract to have potent antioxidant and blood-sugar-lowering effects. This is attributed to papaya leaf’s ability to protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage and premature death (5, 6). Still, no scientific evidence indicates that the same or similar effects may occur in humans. More research is needed to determine whether papaya leaf can be used to help manage high blood sugar levels in humans.

Studies have shown that people with type 1 diabetes who consume high fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels. Additionally, those with type 2 diabetes following high fiber diets may have improved blood sugar, lipid, and insulin levels. One small papaya provides nearly 3 grams (g)  of fiber, with only 17 g of carbohydrates.

Digestion  Papaya leaf isoften used as an alternative therapy to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and heartburn. Papaya leaf contains fiber — a nutrient that supports healthy digestive function — and a unique compound called papain (7). Papain is well known for its ability to break down large proteins into smaller, easier-to-digest proteins and amino acids. It’s even used as a meat tenderizer in culinary practices. One study found that the supplemental use of a papain powder sourced from papaya fruit reduced negative digestive symptoms, including constipation and heartburn, in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (8). No scientific studies have specifically evaluated papaya leaf’s ability to treat similar types of digestive disturbances. Most of the evidence favoring its use for this purpose is from anecdotal reports.

Anti-Inflammatory  Various papaya leaf preparations are frequently used to remedy a broad range of internal and external inflammatory conditions, including skin rashes, muscle aches, and joint pain. Papaya leaf contains various nutrients and plant compounds with potential anti-inflammatory benefits, such as papain, flavonoids, and vitamin E (7, 9, 10).

One study found that papaya leaf significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the paws of rats with arthritis (11), but human studies are needed to confirm these results.

Hair Growth  Topical applications of papaya leaf masks and juices are often used to improve hair growth and scalp health, but evidence to support its efficacy for these purposes is extremely limited. Some research suggests that high levels of oxidative stress in the body may contribute to hair loss. Eating antioxidant-rich foods may help alleviate oxidative stress and subsequently improve hair growth (12). Papaya leaf contains several compounds with antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and vitamin E (10).

Proponents of using papaya leaf to improve hair growth often cite its rich supply of antioxidants. However, there’s no significant evidence that the topical application of papaya leaves can benefit the hair growth process. Certain types of dandruff are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia, which can impede hair growth (13). Papaya leaf has demonstrated antifungal properties in test-tube studies, so it’s often thought to support hair and scalp health by inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing fungus (14). However, papaya leaf has not been specifically tested against Malassezia, so there’s no guarantee it’ll have beneficial effects.

Skin  Papaya leaf is frequently consumed orally or applied topically as a way to maintain soft, clear, and youthful-looking skin. A protein-dissolving enzyme in papaya leaf called papain can be used topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and potentially reduce the occurrence of clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and acne. Moreover, papaya leaf enzymes have been used to promote wound healing, and one study found they minimized the appearance of scar tissue in rabbits (15, 16).

Anticancer   Papaya leaf has been used in traditional medicine practices to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, but modern research is still needed. Papaya leaf has demonstrated a powerful ability to inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in test-tube studies, but neither animal nor human experiments have replicated these results (17, 18). Although consuming papaya leaves and other antioxidant-rich foods may play a role in cancer prevention, they have not been proven to have any curative abilities (19).

Many of the compounds present in papaya — such as lycopene, zeaxanthin, and lutein, may have anticancer effects. A 2022 review explained that some studies have shown that lycopene has anticancer properties, particularly against prostate cancer. More research is necessary to determine the recommended doses.

A 2020 study suggested that zeaxanthin may have a beneficial effect on gastric cancer cells. Another 2018 study also found that lutein selectively slows the growth of breast cancer cells.  Additionally, eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of cancer more generally. Generally, plants with the most color — dark green, yellow, red, and orange — have the most nutrients.

Dengue Fever  One of the most prominent medicinal benefits of papaya leaf is its potential to treat certain symptoms associated with dengue fever. Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that can be transmitted to humans and cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes (1). Severe cases can also result in reduced platelet levels in the blood. Low platelet levels can contribute to an increased risk of bleeding and are potentially fatal if left untreated (1).

While there’s currently no cure for dengue, several treatments are available for managing its symptoms — one of which is papaya leaf. Three human studies that included several hundred people with dengue found that papaya leaf extract significantly increased blood platelet levels (2, 3, 4). The papaya leaf therapy had very few associated side effects and was found to be much more cost effective than conventional treatments.

Vision  Some of the organic compounds present in papaya may help prevent inflammation and oxidative stress in age-related eye diseases, such as macular degeneration. One of these compounds, called lycopene, may help protect the retinal pigment epithelium — a part of the retina essential for healthy vision — against inflammation and oxidative stress.

Papaya also contains carotene, a compound that gives the papaya its distinctive orange color. Carotene has links to vision improvement and the prevention of night blindness. Zeaxanthin, an antioxidant in papaya, filters out harmful blue light rays. It is thought to play a protective role in eye health and may ward off macular degeneration.

Asthma  Consuming a high amount of fruits and vegetables lowers the risk of developing asthma and can prevent the condition from worsening. This may be due to dietary components in fruits and vegetables, such as antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin D. These nutrients can assist the immune system’s typical functioning, which over-responds in people with asthma. One 2022 study also linked a higher intake of carotenes, lycopene, and zeaxanthin to a lower risk of developing asthma in adults. Papaya contains all three of these organic compounds. A 2017 animal study also found that papaya leaf extract has an anti-inflammatory effect on the airways of mice. However, more research is necessary into the effect of papaya leaf on humans.

Bone  Papaya is a source of vitamin K. Low intakes of vitamin K have associations with a higher risk of bone fracture. Adequate vitamin K consumption is important for good health. It improves calcium absorption and may reduce urinary excretion of calcium, meaning there is more calcium in the body to strengthen and rebuild bones.

Heart Disease  Antioxidants in papaya, such as lycopene, may reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Papaya also contains fiber, which research shows may help lower cholesterol. It is also high in potassium, which can be beneficial for those with high blood pressure. An increase in potassium intake along with a decrease in sodium intake is the most important dietary change someone can make to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Hair  Papaya is also great for hair because it contains vitamin A, a nutrient necessary for sebum production, which keeps hair moisturized. Vitamin A is also necessary for the growth of all bodily tissues, including skin and hair. Adequate intake of vitamin C, which papaya can provide, is necessary for the building and maintenance of collagen, which provides structure to the skin.

Botanical Name: Carica papaya
English: Papaya, Papaw, Paw Paw
Also, known as: Malakor, Pappaali, Pappayi, Papeyaa, Pappiyaa, Melon Tree, Pawpaw, Erandakaakadi, Papaiyu, Papita, Papitaa, Pirangi, Pappaay, Karmaasu, Pappaay, Karumattı, Papaayaa, Papai, Erandakharbujaa, Pappali, Boppayi, Bobbaasi, Paringi, Fafay, Babaya, Pappaiya, Papaya, Thimbaw, Papayer, Papaye, Lapaya, Kapaya, Papailler, Papaye, Papayer, Papaya, Melonenbraum, Papeeta, Gedang, Papaya, Kates, Lhong, Doeum Lahong, Sino-Tibetan, Houng, Papaali, Papaya, Betek, Ketalah, Kepaya, Pepol, Figuera, Del Monte, Fruta, Bomba, Papaya, Papaita, Lechosa, Mpapai, Pappali, Pappayi, Ma Kuai Thet, Malakor, and Loko.
Origin: India/West Indies
Harvested: Cultivated
Parts Used: Leaves

General Information:
Carica papaya, is an evergreen, tree-like herb, 2-10 m tall, usually unbranched, has yellow-green leaves and white flowers that turn into sweet, pear-shaped, yellow-orange fruits with many small black edible seeds that taste peppery, containing white latex in all parts. Stem cylindrical, 10-30 cm in diameter, hollow with prominent leaf scars and spongy-fibrous tissue. The long petiole leaves, which may be 30 to 105 cm long and 30 to 60 cm wide, are deeply divided into 5 to 9 main segments, which are further lobed. Both leaves and stems contain large amounts of white, milky latex. Flowers tiny, yellow, funnel-shaped, solitary or clustered in the leaf axils, of 3 types; female flowers 3-5 cm long, large functional pistil, no stamens, ovoid-shaped ovary, male flowers on long hanging panicles, with 10 stamens in 2 rows, gynoecium absent except for a pistillode; hermaphrodite flowers larger than males, S-carpellate ovary; occurrence depends on the season or age of the tree. Male and female flowers are produced on separate trees. Fruits large, cylindrical, with fleshy orange pulp, hollow berry, thin yellowish skin when ripe, varied. Fruits formed from female flowers are oblong, spherical, pear-shaped, from hermaphrodite flowers, long, obovoid or pyriform. Seeds numerous, small, black, round, covered with gelatinous anl Fruits and seeds are edible Ripe papaya is a favorite breakfast and dessert fruit that is available year-round. It can be used to make fruits salads, refreshing drinks, jam, jelly, marmalade, candies and crystallized fruit. Green fruit is pickled or cooked as a vegetable or as a substitute for applesauce. The tree only lives five to six years

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. So you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1 -2 tsp of papaya leaves (2-4 g)/use, up to 2 times/day. This can be added to food, drink or to make tea.