Papaya
Papaya is the fruit of Carica papaya. It supplies vitamin C and fiber, and the unripe fruit is a source of the enzyme papain.
Can a papaya preparation help digestion?
Adults with chronic digestive complaints took 20 mL of Caricol or placebo daily for 40 days. Bloating and constipation improved in those assessed soon after treatment; heartburn did not improve significantly. Benefits were not seen in participants assessed after a longer delay. This result concerns the preparation, not a serving of fruit. 1
The formulation and timing of follow-up limit how broadly the result applies. 1
What does fermented papaya research show?
A crossover trial in 54 older adults tested 9 g daily for three months. It reported improved antioxidant protection in a genetic subgroup, but DNA-damage markers did not uniformly move in a favorable direction. These laboratory outcomes do not demonstrate prevention of disease or longer life. 2
The findings are preliminary and depend on biomarkers and subgroups. 2
Effects by health goal
Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.
Gut Health2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Longevity1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Hair & Skin2 effects
No study is linked to this rating.
No study is linked to this rating.
Immune Support1 effect
No study is linked to this rating.
Sources
- Papaya preparation (Caricol) in digestive disorders Neuro Endocrinology Letters, 2013
- Nutraceutical supplementation: effect of a fermented papaya preparation on redox status and DNA damage in healthy elderly individuals and relationship with GSTM1 genotype Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 2006