174 Papaya
side effect. Consumption of papaya seed is cheap, natural, harmless, readily available
mono-therapeutic and prevents against intestinal parasitosis, especially in tropical
communities (Okiniyi et al. 2007). Papaya seed extract may have toxicity-induced
kidney failure. Evidently a kidney-transplant patient in London was cured of a post-
operative infection by placing strips of papaya on the wound for 48 h. Seeds seem to
have more potent medicinal values, namely, antibacterial properties and are effective
against E. coli, Salmonella and Staphylococcus infections, protect the kidneys from
toxin-induced kidney failure, eliminate intestinal parasites, detoxify the liver, skin
irritant to lower fever, cure for piles and typhoid, anti-helminthic and anti-amoebic
properties, and so on.
Anti-fertility, anti-implantation and abortifacient properties of extracts from
papaya seed have been proved (Chinoy et al. 2006). It has been established in males
that the seeds are potential anti-fertility drugs (Lohiya et al. 2005). Seeds are used to
produce an Indigenous Nigerian food condiment called ‘daddawa’, the Hausa word
for a fermented food condiment (Dakare 2004). Fermented seeds have no effects on
litters of rats (Abdulazeez et al. 2009), whereas those effects were apparent when the
unfermented extract was administered (Abdulazeez 2008). Normal consumption of
ripe papaya during pregnancy may not be dangerous; however, unripe or semiripe
papaya (which contains high amount of latex that produces marked uterine contrac-
tion) could be unsafe for consumption (Krishna et al. 2008).
Antihelmintic activity of papaya seed has been predominantly attributed to
carpaine and carpasemine (benzyl thiourea). Carpaine has an intensively bitter taste
and a strong depressant action on health. It is present not only in papaya fruit and
seed but also in its leaves. Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), the main bioactive com-
pound in C. papaya seeds (Kermanshai et al. 2001), has been shown to be respon-
sible for the anti-fertility effect (Adebiyi et al. 2003). BITC is capable of damaging
the endometrium, making the uterus non-receptive and, thus, affecting adversely the
implantation (Adebiyi et al. 2003).
16.1.4 Peel
Papaya peel is often used in cosmetics. It can also be used in many home remedies.
The presence of vitamin A helps to restore and rebuild damaged skin. Applied
papaya peel is used as a skin-lightening agent. When peel is mixed with honey and
applied, it calms and moisturises the skin. The papaya vinegar with lemon juice can
be applied to the scalp for 20 min prior to shampooing to fight dandruff.
16.1.5 Roots
The root is ground to a paste with salt, diluted with water and given as an enema
to induce abortion. A root decoction is claimed to expel roundworms. Roots are
also used to make salt. Aqueous root extract is richer in phytochemical substances
as compared to the aqueous leaves extract. Various phytochemical compounds
detected are known to have beneficial uses in industries and medical sciences, and
also exhibit physiological activity. Therefore, root extract may be a better source for
the industrial production and extraction of these phytochemicals, which may serve