Papaya

Family Caricaceae

Scientific name:  Carica papaya L.

 Local names:

                           kapaya  (S. L. Bis, Sul)                   tapayas (Bik)

                           Lapaya (bon)                                 papau tree (Engl)

                           Papaya (Sp, Tag)                          pawpaw (Engl)

                           Papaye (Sul)                                   papyas (Sub)

 Traditional uses:

     A.      Root

1.       decoction of the central part taken foe indigestion

2.      strong decoction induces abortion

     B.       Leaves

1.      used for dressing wounds

2.      made into soft, usually heated preparation, spread on cloth and applied to treat rheumatism

3.      decoction taken for asthma and fever.

4.      dried and infusion is drunk to cure stomach troubles,       expel intestinal worms, promote menstruation and lower body temperature.

        C.       Flowers                                                               

1.      infusion taken for fever and cough.

2.      infusion taken to promote menstruation

        D.      Fruit

1.      juice applied on freckles

2.      ripe fruit eaten for indigestion and constipation.

         E.       Seed

1.      powdered and eaten to expel worms.

         F.       Latex from Trunk or Unripe fruit

1.      applied on wounds, skin ulcer and bed sores.

 Research findings

             Papain is found in the roots, stems, leaf and fruit papaya.

 Food values

             The ripe fruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C.  It contains a good amount of Vitamins A and B a fair amount of iron and calcium.

            The green fruit is a good source of vitamin B.

Recommended Medicinal Uses

            For debridement, removal of purulent exudates and blood clots from wound and ulcer: Apply latex off after 15 minutes.

            For constipation: Eat fruit liberally.

Botanical and Agricultural Characteristics:

Habit:  Tree

Habitat:  Settled areas

Propagation:  Seed