Carica papaya Linn: A Potential source for various health problems

Abstract

Carica papaya is cultivated for its fruits; it is flavored by the people of the tropics, as breakfast and as ingredients in jellies, preserves or cooked in various ways. Papain the proteolytic enzyme has a wealth of industrial uses. It is used for meat tenderizers and chewing gums. In traditional practices juice of plants is used for curing warts, cancer, and tumors. Recent researches in different parts of the world have shown that C. papaya has the great potential against a number of health problems. C. papaya preparations can be efficiently used in tissue burn, microbial/helmintic infection. It can be used as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Instead of these effects, it can be also used as insecticidal/molluscicidal activity against various pests. The present review highlights the some important pharmacological uses of papaya plants in ancient as well as recent time.