| Botanical Name |
Carica
papaya |
|
| Common Name |
English:
Papaya |
| Family |
Caricaceae |
| Parts Used |
Fruits,
leaves, latex, seeds. |
| Medicinal Property |
Enzyme
rich herb that improves digestion of protein, reduces scarring and expels
intestinal worms. Internally for digestive disorders and externally for
deep or slow-healing wounds (Papain). |
| Chemistry |
Latex
contains two very active crystalline enzyme viz., Papain and Chymopapain.
Small amount of amylose, lipase, pectase and other enzymes also reported.
The leaves and unripe fruits contain milky juice in which the protein
ferment ‘Papain’ is available. |
| Description |
Herbaceous
perennial, with milky latex, which attain a maximum height of 5 m. Leaves
are clustered around apex of the stem and branches. |
| Distribution |
Native
of Southern Mexico and Central America. Grown in Tropical and subtropical
areas. |
| Economics |
Papain
is used in manufacture of chewing-gum and in clarifying beer, termite
control etc., |
| Warning |
|
|
