Papaya seeds are widely used for medicinal practices including cancer prevention and treatment, microbial infections, inflammation, contraceptives, etc. Some of these treatments do not have conclusive backing and data. However, it has been proven that papaya seeds contain a host of nutrients including fatty acids, fiber, protein, oil, campaign, myrosin enzyme, benzyl glucosinolates, caring, etc. Most of these compounds are enzymes and natural body chemicals that are important for human survival.
Studies prove that not only the seeds are medicinal. The whole plant from its bark, leaves, roots, latex, and fruits are not medically, but also nutritionally sound as well. This article focuses on the benefits of the seeds of the papaya plant in nutrition, medicine, and a host of other applications.
1. Meat tenderizer
Papaya seeds contain enzyme papain which is applied in food industries in the production of meat tenderizers.
2. Coagulation of milk
The enzyme papain is used in milk coagulation.
3. Source of amino acids
The seeds are rich in amino acids that form the building blocks of proteins.
4. Treatment of sickle cell-related conditions
Sickle cell anemia is one of the worst body conditions caused by sickle cell. The oil extracted from papaya siesta has been proven to be a great treatment agent for such conditions.
5. Pet food
Due to their broad nutritional value, papaya seeds are mixed with other compounds to make pet food.
6. Treatment of wool
Papaya seeds are used to treat wool before it is tanned to help in long term preservation.
7. Eradication of human intestinal parasites
When mixed with honey, dried papaya seeds produce an agent which when ingested fights the intestinal parasites without leaving significant side effects.
8. Anti-oxidant
The water that is extracted from the seeds can be used as an anti-oxidant. It contains compounds such as Vitamin C, citric and malic acids.
9. Anti-stress
Papaya seeds have been confirmed to contain minerals such as boron, zinc, and sulfur, which are used for the manufacture of anti-depressants.
10. Anti-inflammatory
The seeds and leaves of papaya have been used traditionally in the treatment of inflammatory-related conditions such as arthritis.
11. Anti-microbial
Papaya contains a compound known as coagulum that renders micro-organisms immobile. This compound is, therefore, efficient in fighting off bacterial infections.
Alkaloid campaign is also another compound extracted from the papaya seeds that are known to increase the efficiency of the white blood cells by improving their phagocytic cells; hence, enhancing its capability to fight off bacteria.
12. Cancer treatment
Seed extracts of papaya seeds are commonly used as antitumor agents in the treatment of cancer. It is implied that the extracts restore the normal life cycle of cells hence making it difficult for cancer cells to thrive in such environments.
13. Treatment of allergies
Various studies have shown that papaya seed extracts can as well be used to treat various types of allergies.
14. Treatment of cardiovascular conditions
Extensive medical research results show that papaya seeds can be used in the production of antihypertensive agents that are used not only in the treatment of hypertension but are used in relaxations on the vascular tone.
This activity involves a reduction of arterial pressure which when left untamed may lead to the rupturing of blood vessels. Extracts from unripe fruits and seeds have ethanol traces which together with hydralazine help in mitigating these effects.
15. Used as contraceptives
Papain is the main enzyme found in the fruits and seeds of a papaya plant. When ingested in substantial amounts, evidence suggests that in inhibits progesterone hormone activity in females which is necessary for the conception of pregnancy. Also, it has been suggested that when large amounts of papain are ingested consecutively by a pregnant female, they may induce abortion.
Also, papaya seeds are being investigated for their role in controlling male fertility. They are therefore being considered in the production of anti-fertility agents for the male species.
16. Healing of wounds
Papain has been used as a healing agent. It dries and kills germs thereby inducing healing processes.
17. Healing ulcers
Ulcers are wounds that occur internally in your body. Just like external wounds, papain helps in the induction and strengthening of the white blood cells that fight off bacteria thereby enhancing the recovery process.
18. Burns
Papaya seeds have dead tissue dissolving property. It does so well that no tissues are left damaged.
19. Prevention and treatment of diabetes
Medically fermented papaya seeds can be used in the reduction of glucose content in the blood. This, therefore, is both a preventative measure against type 2 diabetes attack and treatment of the same.
Furthermore, since the seeds are proved antioxidants, studies suggest that the administration of these antioxidant agents significantly reduces the level of blood sugar on the body.
20. Detoxification
Carica enzyme – a product of papaya seeds have been proven to contain gluten detoxifying properties. They are, therefore, ideal in the treatment of gluten intolerance.
21. Anti-amoebic
Aqueous extracts of a mature papaya seed have been studied, and results indicate that they can fight against amoebic infections.
22. Production of chewing gum
Papain is used as an ingredient in the manufacture of chewing gums.
23. Clarifying beverages
Papaya seeds are used in the large scale clarifying of drinks; mostly in beer and juice processing.
24. Treatment of silk
Before silk is subjected to drying agents, it is first treated in papaya seed extracts for preservation purposes.
25. Removing hair from hides
Hides must be de-haired before the tanning process starts. Papaya seeds play a major role in the de-haring process.
26. Harvested for their oil
As earlier noted, papaya seeds can be dried and oil is extracted from them. Evidence shows that the oil is as medically viable as it is domestically. It can also be used for industrial purposes.
27. Treatment of viral infections
Reports; however, not conclusive, suggest that papaya seeds were used in the central American country of Costa Rica for treatment of viral infection, Dengue fever that is fatal and responsible for hundreds of deaths across the world.
28. Prevention and treatment of leukemia, prostate, lung and breast cancer
Isothiocyanate is an enzyme found in papaya seeds. Scientists claim that the enzyme is capable of preventing the formation of cancer cells.
29. Consumption
In Nigeria, papaya seeds are used to produce “daddawa” – an indigenous delicacy in the country among the Hausa.
30. Treatment of ringworms
Isothiocyanate is a compound extracted from unripe seeds. This compound can be used to kill ringworms and other nematodes.
The bottom line
From the uses highlighted above, papaya seeds can be used in many ways. Domestic, industrial, or medical; they have wide applications.
