Papaya as Medicaments 173
as a purgative for horses in the Ivory Coast. It is also used as treatment for genito-
urinary ailments. The leaf tea or extract has reputation as tumour- destroying agent
(Walter 2008). The fresh green tea acts as an antiseptic and dried leaves are best
as a tonic and blood purifier (Nwofia et al. 2012). The tea also promotes digestive
system and aid in chronic indigestion, weight loss, obesity, arteriosclerosis, high
blood pressure and weakening of heart (Mantok 2005). Increasing anecdotal reports
of its effects in cancer treatment and prevention, with many successful cases, have
warranted that these pharmacological properties be scientifically validated. Seven
in vitro cell-culture-based studies were reported; these indicate that leaf extracts
may alter the growth of several types of cancer cell lines (Nguyen et al. 2013). Leaf
extract boosts the production of key signalling molecules called Th1-type cytokines,
which help regulate the immune system and inhibition of cancer cell growth. Leaves
are used as herbal tea for treatment of malaria. Anti-malarial and anti-plasmodial
activities have been noted in some preparations of the plant, but the mechanism is not
understood and not scientifically proven (Nakamura et al. 2007). Carpaine, an alka-
loid found in papaya leaves, has also been used for medicinal purposes (Sankat and
Maharaj 2001). The leaves of papaya plants contain carpain substance, which kills
microorganisms that often interfere with the digestive function. Bapedi traditional
healers in three districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa, burnt papaya leaves
in the consultation hut and patients inhaled the smoke twice to four times a day
used for the treatment of tuberculosis (Green et al. 2010). Ethnobotanical stud-
ies were conducted to know medicinal plants used by women in the commune of
Mahabo-Mananivo of Agnalazaha forest. In some parts of Asia, the young leaves
of the papaya are steamed and eaten like spinach. The quantitative phytochemical
screening of its leaves aqueous extract revealed the presence of tannins (0.001%),
flavonoids (0.013%), saponins (0.022%), phenolics (0.011%), steroids (0.004%) and
alkaloids (0.019%), while that of the root gave tannins (0.12%), flavonoids (0.014%),
saponins (0.026%), phenolics (0.011%), steroids (0.006%) and alkaloids (0.021%).
Cardiac glycosides, anthraquinone, phlobatanin and triterpenes were not detected in
the leaves and roots’ aqueous extracts of the plant (Bamisaye et al. 2013).
16.1.3 Seed
The black seeds of papaya are edible and have a sharp and spicy taste. Dried papaya
seeds actually look quite similar to black pepper and can be used in a similar way.
Grinding and spreading a couple over a meal, especially protein-rich meals, is a
simple way to add extra enzymes to your diet and improve your digestive health.
Seeds, especially the sarcotesta, are rich source of amino acids. A yellow to
brown, faintly scented oil was extracted from the sundried, powdered seeds of unripe
papayas at the Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India. White
seeds yielded 16.1% and black seeds 26.8% oil and it was suggested that the oil might
have edible and industrial uses. The seeds are used in treatment of sickle cell disease
(Imaga et al. 2010). Adding papaya oil and vinegar to bath water, along with essential
oils such as lavender, orange and rosemary can be nourishing, refreshing and relax-
ing, and can work as a pain reliever and muscle relaxant. Air-dried papaya seeds with
honey showed a significant effect on human intestinal parasites without significant