Fruits · Fruit
Papaya
Carica papaya · also called Papaya, pawpaw or papaw (in some countries), lechosa (Spanish)
Papaya is the soft, orange fruit of a tropical tree. One cup of pieces (145 g) has about 62 calories and 88 mg of vitamin C. Small studies show the body absorbs its orange pigments well, but no trial shows that eating the fruit prevents or treats a disease. The main cautions are allergy, especially in people with a latex allergy, and Salmonella on whole fruit.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Papaya
Papaya is a tropical fruit that is a good source of vitamin C and orange carotenoid pigments. Research on eating the fruit is thin, and most health studies are of leaf, seed, fermented or oral care products. It is best seen as a nutritious food, not a proven remedy.
What it is
Papaya (Carica papaya) is the fruit of a tropical tree in the papaya family, Caricaceae. The flesh of the ripe fruit is eaten, usually raw. In some countries it is also called pawpaw.
One cup of 1-inch pieces (145 g) has about 62 calories, 2.5 g of fibre, 11.3 g of natural sugars and 88 mg of vitamin C, plus 264 mg of potassium and 54 mcg of folate (USDA). The NHS says adults aged 19 to 64 need 40 mg of vitamin C a day. Raw papaya also has lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin, two orange carotenoid pigments.
What the research shows
In a small crossover study, 16 healthy adults absorbed more beta-carotene and lycopene from papaya than from carrot or tomato. In another, 10 healthy adults had a glycaemic index of 58 for papaya, which the authors call intermediate. Both are marker studies in small groups.
Oral care products containing papaya went with lower gum scores in 5 pooled trials, but the trials differed a great deal. Reviews of papaya leaf extract for dengue and trials of fermented papaya supplements are about other products. We found no trial of eating ripe papaya for constipation, blood pressure or any disease.
The fruit versus leaf, seeds and supplements
Most of the medicinal research on papaya is on leaf juice and extract, seed preparations, fermented supplements and oral care products. A result for one of these does not apply to a slice of fruit. Leaf products have their own cautions, including possible interactions with diabetes and heart medicines in one scoping review, and concern about long-term liver and reproductive effects in animals.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Eaten ripe and raw, or dried and juiced
- Traditional use of the fruit for blood pressure and of the leaf for dengue and the seeds against worms is described in reviews; these uses are not proven
Studied for research
- Absorption of orange plant pigments (carotenoids), low certainty
- Blood sugar response (glycaemic index), low certainty
- Gum health with papaya oral care products, very low certainty
- Dengue (leaf products), insufficient evidence
- Fermented papaya supplements after COVID-19 and in diabetes, very low certainty
Main compounds
- Vitamin C (88 mg in a cup of pieces)
- Carotenoids: lycopene, beta-cryptoxanthin, beta-carotene
- Fibre (about 2.5 g in a cup)
- Papain and other enzymes, mainly in the latex of unripe fruit
Common forms
- Fresh ripe fruit (the form the nutrition figures describe)
- Dried or juiced papaya
- Papaya leaf extract or juice (not the same as the fruit)
- Fermented papaya supplements (not the same as the fruit)
- Papain, the enzyme used in food processing
Research links: USDA FoodData Central: raw papaya · Carotenoid absorption from papaya, tomato and carrot (British Journal of Nutrition, 2014) · Latex-fruit syndrome review (Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024) · EFSA opinion on papain (EFSA Journal, 2026) · Papaya Salmonella outbreaks 2017 and 2019 (Journal of Food Protection, 2021) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
What it is and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Carica papaya
- Naming authority
- L. (GBIF accepted, usageKey 2874484)
- Common names
- Papaya (English); Pawpaw / papaw (in some countries) (English); Papaya / lechosa / fruta bomba (Spanish)
- Family or group
- Caricaceae (the papaya family), in the order Brassicales (GBIF).
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Brassicales > Caricaceae > Carica > Carica papaya
- Native range
- Not verified from a source read.
- Habitat
- Tropical and subtropical (the existing site summary says a tropical tree; not re-sourced).
- What it looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Soft orange-fleshed fruit with a central cavity of many small black seeds (as seen in our photo; botanical description not sourced).
- Cultivation
- Not verified from a source read.
- Harvest and processing
- Eaten ripe and raw; also dried, juiced, or fermented into supplements. Papain is made from the latex of unripe fruit (EFSA).
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba); Note: A different, unrelated fruit that shares the common name. Nothing on this page applies to it.; Name: Papaya leaf, seeds, fermented papaya and papain; Note: Other products from the same plant. Their research does not apply to eating the fruit.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not assessed.
Photographs
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional uses | The abstracts read mention traditional use of the fruit for blood pressure, papaya leaf for dengue, and seeds against worms in tropical regions. They do not give dates or origins. | PubMed 42422883, 39842450, 17472487 (traditional-use statements only; no history verified) |
Traditional use shows how it was used. It does not show that it works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What it contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycopene | carotenoid | Flesh 1830 mcg per 100 g (USDA) | Orange-red plant pigment. Absorption from papaya was about 2.6 times that from tomato in 16 healthy adults. No health outcome tested. 26 21 | Composition data and small human absorption study |
| Beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene | carotenoids (provitamin A) | Flesh Beta-cryptoxanthin 589 mcg and beta-carotene 274 mcg per 100 g (USDA) | Can be turned into vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene from papaya was about three times more bioavailable than from carrot or tomato in one small study. 26 21 6 | Composition data and small human absorption studies |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | vitamin | Flesh 60.9 mg per 100 g; 88.3 mg in 145 g (USDA) | Essential nutrient; lack causes scurvy (NHS). 26 25 | Composition data and official guidance |
| Papain, chymopapain, caricain, glycyl endopeptidase | protein-digesting enzymes (cysteine endopeptidases) | Latex of unripe fruit | Used as food-processing enzymes. Papain and chymopapain are known food allergens (EFSA). 5 | Regulatory opinion |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carotenoid storage form and absorption | The authors suggest that liquid-crystalline beta-carotene and very small lycopene crystals in papaya cells may explain their high absorption. This is a hypothesis in a 16-person study. 21 | Small human study with hypothesis | |
| Cross-reactive allergens (class I chitinases) | Proteins of about 30 to 45 kd in papaya, similar to those in latex, bound antibodies from latex-fruit allergic patients in a lab test. 3 19 | Lab (human serum) | |
| Immune and antioxidant effects of fermented papaya | The authors of supplement studies propose immune-cell and redox effects. These are hypotheses from supplement work, not shown for the fruit. 11 4 | Supplement trials and cell work |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Carotenoids from papaya meals appeared in blood fats within about 9.5 hours; absorption was higher than from carrot or tomato in 16 adults.
- Distribution
- Not found.
- Metabolism
- Retinyl esters, a vitamin A product, rose after the papaya meal (one study).
- Elimination
- Not found.
- Bioavailability
- Higher for beta-carotene and lycopene than from carrot or tomato meals in one small trial; juice and fresh fruit gave higher values than dried slices in another.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Most 'medicinal' papaya research is on other products: leaf extract or juice for dengue, fermented papaya supplements, oral care products, seed preparations and the enzyme papain. A result for one of these does not apply to a slice of fruit, and a fruit nutrient result does not prove that papaya treats a disease.
Nutritional composition
Per 100 g of raw papaya (USDA FoodData Central, SR Legacy): 43 kcal, 88.1 g water, 0.47 g protein, 0.26 g fat, 10.8 g carbohydrate of which 7.8 g are sugars, and 1.7 g fibre. A typical portion in USDA data is 1 cup of 1-inch pieces (145 g): about 62 kcal, 2.5 g fibre, 11.3 g sugars, 88.3 mg vitamin C, 264 mg potassium, 53.7 mcg folate (DFE) and 68 mcg vitamin A (RAE). It also has 1830 mcg lycopene and 589 mcg beta-cryptoxanthin per 100 g. USDA lists a small fruit at 157 g and a cup of mashed papaya at 230 g. Per-portion figures are calculated from the per-100 g values. Values vary with variety, ripeness and storage.
2 low certainty4 very low certainty3 not enough evidence
What was looked at
The 9 benefits and uses checked for Papaya, each with how strong the evidence is. Tap one to open it.
- Absorbing orange plant pigments (carotenoids) and vitamin A precursorsLow certainty
- Blood sugar after eating papaya (glycaemic index)Low certainty
- Gum health (oral care products containing papaya)Very low certainty
- Low platelets in dengue fever (papaya leaf extract or juice)Not enough evidence
- Recovery symptoms after COVID-19 (fermented papaya and noni supplement)Very low certainty
- Blood sugar and immune cell function in type 2 diabetes (fermented papaya preparation)Very low certainty
- Constipation and bowel regularityNot enough evidence
- Heart health and blood pressureNot enough evidence
- Intestinal worms (papaya seed preparations)Very low certainty
Lab markers tracked in the studies
Carotenoids and retinyl esters in blood fats after a mealGlycaemic index (blood glucose response compared with glucose)Gingival index and plaque index
What is Papaya good for?
The studied uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Most results are small marker studies or are about leaf, seed or fermented products, not the fruit you eat. None shows that papaya prevents or treats a disease.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Absorbing orange plant pigments (carotenoids) and vitamin A precursors
Low certaintyIn a small crossover study of 16 healthy adults, the body absorbed more beta-carotene and lycopene from raw papaya than from raw carrot or tomato meals matched for the same amounts. This shows papaya is a good carrier of these pigments. It does not show any health result.
2 studiesRaw fresh papaya in a test meal; the 2007 study also tested juice and…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2014 randomised crossover study of 16 healthy volunteers compared raw carrot, tomato and papaya meals adjusted to give equal amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. Newly absorbed carotenoids were measured in blood fats over 9.5 hours. A 2007 study of 14 healthy volunteers in Cameroon (two groups of seven) compared papaya or mango as juice, fresh fruit or dried slices.
Results
Beta-carotene absorption from papaya was about three times higher than from carrot or tomato. Lycopene was about 2.6 times more available from papaya than from tomato. Retinyl esters (a vitamin A product) were higher after the papaya meal. In the 2007 study, serum retinol rose with all three forms, and juice and fresh fruit worked best.
Effect sizes as reported
Beta-carotene about 3x (papaya vs carrot or tomato); lycopene about 2.6x (papaya vs tomato); beta-cryptoxanthin 2.9x (vs beta-carotene in papaya) and 2.3x (vs lycopene in papaya). Confidence intervals are not given in the abstract.
Why this rating
Both studies are small, short, and measure blood markers after one meal, not health outcomes. They are controlled human trials, but with 16 and 14 people.
Form and dose studied
Raw fresh papaya in a test meal; the 2007 study also tested juice and dried slices.
Who was studied
Healthy adult volunteers.
Limits
Marker only. Single meals. Small groups. Neither abstract states who funded the work.
Why researchers looked
Papaya is orange because of carotenoids. Researchers wanted to know how well the body takes them up, partly because of vitamin A deficiency in some tropical countries.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
The authors suggest the way the pigments are stored in papaya cells (tiny liquid-crystal and crystal forms) helps absorption. This is a hypothesis from the authors, not a tested result in this trial.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Blood sugar after eating papaya (glycaemic index)
Low certaintyIn 10 healthy adults, papaya raised blood sugar by an intermediate amount compared with pure glucose. Its glycaemic index was 58, lower than pineapple (82). This is a one-meal test in healthy people, not a trial in people with diabetes.
1 studiesFresh Malaysian-grown papaya, in a portion matched for carbohydrate.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2008 randomised crossover study of 10 healthy volunteers measured blood glucose for two hours after portions of papaya, pineapple, watermelon and durian that held 50 g of available carbohydrate each, compared with glucose.
Results
Glycaemic index: papaya 58 (plus or minus 6), watermelon 55, durian 49, pineapple 82. The authors call papaya intermediate. Papaya, watermelon and durian did not differ significantly from each other.
Effect sizes as reported
Glycaemic index 58 +/- 6 (papaya) vs 82 +/- 4 (pineapple). Area under the curve 147 +/- 14 (papaya) vs 232 +/- 24 mmol x min/L (pineapple).
Why this rating
Only 10 healthy people; each test food was tested once. The authors note that the portion sizes depended on food-table values.
Form and dose studied
Fresh Malaysian-grown papaya, in a portion matched for carbohydrate.
Who was studied
Healthy adults.
Limits
Not done in people with diabetes. Glycaemic index does not predict long-term outcomes. Papaya portions in real life differ.
Why researchers looked
People with diabetes and others who watch blood sugar often ask how a fruit compares with sugar.
Proposed mechanism Not tested
Not tested in this study.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Gum health (oral care products containing papaya)
Very low certaintyA 2025 pooled analysis of 5 randomised trials (206 adults) found lower gum-inflammation and plaque scores with oral care products containing papaya, but no difference in bleeding between papillae (the gum tips between teeth). These were products, not eating the fruit, and the trials differed a lot.
1 studiesPapaya-containing oral care products (not the fruit as food).
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials of Carica papaya on gingival index, plaque index and papilla bleeding index in adults with gum disease.
Results
Gingival index and plaque index were lower with papaya products than with controls. Papilla bleeding index did not differ.
Effect sizes as reported
Gingival index weighted mean difference -0.28 (95% CI -0.45 to -0.10; I2 98.2%); plaque index -0.36 (-0.59 to -0.14; I2 99.3%).
Why this rating
Only 5 trials, extremely high inconsistency between trials (I2 about 98 to 99%), and the products and forms differ. The result is about oral care products, not eating papaya.
Form and dose studied
Papaya-containing oral care products (not the fruit as food).
Who was studied
Adults with gum disease.
Limits
Product formulas and amounts are not given in the abstract. The authors note limitations.
Why researchers looked
Papaya contains enzymes and has traditional use for the mouth, so researchers tested papaya-based gels and mouthwashes.
Proposed mechanism Not tested
Not covered in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Low platelets in dengue fever (papaya leaf extract or juice)
Not enough evidenceReviews say papaya LEAF extract or juice might raise platelet counts in dengue and shorten hospital stays, and that randomised trials are still needed. This is about leaf products, not the fruit. Most antiviral work on papaya was done in the lab.
2 studiesLeaf extract or leaf juice, plus some fruit in the antiviral review.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two reviews: a 2025 review of clinical and preclinical studies of papaya leaf extract in dengue, and a 2024 systematic review of papaya's antiviral work that found 15 studies.
Results
The 2025 review says leaf extract may raise platelets and help recovery, but more randomised trials are needed to confirm safety and effect. In the 2024 review, 7 of 15 studies reported significant anti-dengue activity, 1 moderate, and 2 found none. The authors say most of the work was in vitro (lab), with little clinical testing.
Effect sizes as reported
No pooled effect size given in either abstract.
Why this rating
Mostly lab and small studies; leaf extract is a different product from the fruit. The reviews do not report human trial results in numbers in the abstracts read.
Form and dose studied
Leaf extract or leaf juice, plus some fruit in the antiviral review.
Who was studied
People with dengue (clinical studies) and lab models.
Limits
Cannot be used to guide treatment. Dengue needs medical care.
Why researchers looked
Papaya leaf is used in several countries as a folk remedy for dengue, a mosquito-borne virus.
Traditional use
Leaf juice is a traditional remedy in dengue-affected regions; the abstracts do not give details.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Reviews describe possible platelet-raising and immune effects from lab and animal work. Not proven in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab for leaf products.
Recovery symptoms after COVID-19 (fermented papaya and noni supplement)
Very low certaintyOne randomised placebo-controlled trial of 188 people recovering from COVID-19 reported fewer symptoms and lower inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8) with a fermented papaya and noni (Morinda citrifolia) supplement for 20 days. It is one trial of a supplement, partly paid for by a company, not a study of the fruit.
1 studiesFermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia food supplements. Not …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2022 randomised, single-centre, placebo-controlled trial of 188 people (157 with the delta variant, 31 with omicron) added to conventional treatment, with checks before and after 20 days.
Results
Clinical symptoms, IL-6, IL-8 and nitric oxide metabolites fell compared with placebo and with starting values. Immune cell function and antioxidant activity rose. Throat and nose microbiota were unchanged.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Single trial of a mixed supplement (papaya plus noni), 20 days, with part-funding by the supplement maker (see study). Full results were not read.
Form and dose studied
Fermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia food supplements. Not the fruit.
Who was studied
Adults recovering from moderate or severe COVID-19.
Limits
Supplement, short trial, one centre. The abstract gives no effect sizes.
Why researchers looked
Fermented papaya preparations are sold as immune and antioxidant supplements.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
The authors propose immune-modulating, redox-balancing and energy effects. These ideas are not shown in this trial.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Supplement safety not assessed here.
Blood sugar and immune cell function in type 2 diabetes (fermented papaya preparation)
Very low certaintyIn people with type 2 diabetes, 6 weeks of a fermented papaya supplement did not change blood sugar, blood fats or HbA1c as far as the authors report, while it did change a lab test of immune-cell activity. It is mainly a safety-focused study of a supplement.
1 studiesFermented papaya preparation. Not the fruit.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2015 clinical trial of a fermented papaya preparation taken for 6 weeks by people with type 2 diabetes, with blood tests during and after.
Results
The supplement induced respiratory burst in blood cells. It did not influence the other blood measures studied, including fasting glucose, lipid profile, HbA1c and peroxidation markers.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Supplement, not fruit. Small study details not given in the abstract. The abstract does not report an improvement in blood sugar.
Form and dose studied
Fermented papaya preparation. Not the fruit.
Who was studied
Adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limits
Not a test of eating papaya.
Why researchers looked
A fermented papaya supplement is sold as an antioxidant. Researchers wanted to know if it affects blood sugar in diabetes.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
The authors hypothesise it corrects immune-cell 'respiratory burst' function. This is a hypothesis.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not a replacement for diabetes medicines.
Constipation and bowel regularity
Not enough evidenceWe found no trial of eating papaya for constipation. A 2022 pooled analysis of 11 fruit trials in functional constipation found its benefit mainly for kiwifruit, and papaya was not the focus in the abstract.
1 studiesPapaya as a food.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2022 systematic review of 11 randomised and crossover trials of fruit for functional constipation. The abstract names kiwifruit, palm date, orange juice and fig paste; it does not mention papaya.
Results
Kiwifruit increased stool frequency. Fruit overall may help stool consistency and frequency, the authors say, but they ask for larger studies.
Effect sizes as reported
Kiwifruit vs comparators: stool frequency MD 0.26 (95% CI 0.22 to 0.30). No papaya figure.
Why this rating
No papaya-specific trial was found in our searches. The review is about other fruits.
Form and dose studied
Papaya as a food.
Who was studied
Adults with functional constipation (other fruits).
Limits
Do not read the kiwifruit result as a papaya result.
Why researchers looked
Papaya has fibre and enzymes and is traditionally eaten for digestion.
Traditional use
Eaten after meals in many tropical countries to ease digestion; not documented in a source read.
Proposed mechanism Not tested
Not tested.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Heart health and blood pressure
Not enough evidenceA 2026 mini-review looks at possible heart-protective effects of different parts of the papaya plant. The abstract mentions traditional use of the fruit for blood pressure but gives no human trial results.
1 studiesVarious plant parts and isolated compounds.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2026 mini-review of papaya fruit, flowers, bark and roots and cardiovascular disease; only the abstract was read.
Results
No human trial result is reported in the abstract.
Why this rating
Mini-review; includes parts of the plant that are not eaten; abstract only.
Form and dose studied
Various plant parts and isolated compounds.
Limits
No evidence of benefit for the eaten fruit was read.
Why researchers looked
The fruit is used traditionally in some regions for blood pressure, possibly as a mild diuretic.
Traditional use
The abstract states the fruit is used to normalise blood pressure in traditional medicine because of a possible diuretic effect.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Described as 'cardioprotective mechanisms' of isolated compounds; no human test in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Intestinal worms (papaya seed preparations)
Very low certaintyOne small trial in Nigerian children reported that an elixir of dried papaya seeds with honey cleared stool parasites more often than honey alone. Papaya seeds are not the usual fruit flesh, and this was a pilot study that needs repeating.
1 studiesAir-dried papaya seeds with honey. Not the fruit flesh.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
A 2007 randomised pilot trial of 60 asymptomatic Nigerian children with parasites found on stool microscopy, comparing an air-dried seed and honey elixir with honey alone, with a repeat stool test 7 days later.
Results
Stools cleared of parasites in 23 of 30 children (76.7%) given the seed elixir versus 5 of 30 (16.7%) given honey. No harmful effects were reported in the abstract.
Effect sizes as reported
23/30 (76.7%) vs 5/30 (16.7%); P value in abstract
Why this rating
Small pilot, one site, seed product not the fruit, only a 7-day check, and no comparison with a standard medicine. The authors call for larger studies.
Form and dose studied
Air-dried papaya seeds with honey. Not the fruit flesh.
Who was studied
Asymptomatic children in Nigeria.
Limits
Do not treat worms at home; see a doctor.
Why researchers looked
Papaya seeds are used traditionally against worms in some tropical regions.
Traditional use
The abstract states papaya seeds have been described as anthelmintic and anti-amoebic.
Proposed mechanism Not tested
Not covered in the abstract.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the Safety tab: papaya seeds and pregnancy.
Connections to the rest of health
How Papaya connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellular Protection | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Absorbing orange plant pigments (carotenoids) and vitamin A precursors: In a small crossover study of 16 healthy adults, the body absorbed more beta-carotene and lycopene from raw papaya than from raw carrot or tomato meals matched for the same amounts. This shows papaya is a good carrier of these pigments. It does not show any health result. | 21 6 |
| Healthy Aging | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Absorbing orange plant pigments (carotenoids) and vitamin A precursors: In a small crossover study of 16 healthy adults, the body absorbed more beta-carotene and lycopene from raw papaya than from raw carrot or tomato meals matched for the same amounts. This shows papaya is a good carrier of these pigments. It does not show any health result. Gum health (oral care products containing papaya): A 2025 pooled analysis of 5 randomised trials (206 adults) found lower gum-inflammation and plaque scores with oral care products containing papaya, but no difference in bleeding between papillae (the gum tips between teeth). These were products, not eating the fruit, and the trials differed a lot. | 21 6 20 |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Blood sugar after eating papaya (glycaemic index): In 10 healthy adults, papaya raised blood sugar by an intermediate amount compared with pure glucose. Its glycaemic index was 58, lower than pineapple (82). This is a one-meal test in healthy people, not a trial in people with diabetes. Blood sugar and immune cell function in type 2 diabetes (fermented papaya preparation): In people with type 2 diabetes, 6 weeks of a fermented papaya supplement did not change blood sugar, blood fats or HbA1c as far as the authors report, while it did change a lab test of immune-cell activity. It is mainly a safety-focused study of a supplement. | 18 4 |
| Immune Support | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Low platelets in dengue fever (papaya leaf extract or juice): Reviews say papaya LEAF extract or juice might raise platelet counts in dengue and shorten hospital stays, and that randomised trials are still needed. This is about leaf products, not the fruit. Most antiviral work on papaya was done in the lab. Recovery symptoms after COVID-19 (fermented papaya and noni supplement): One randomised placebo-controlled trial of 188 people recovering from COVID-19 reported fewer symptoms and lower inflammation markers (IL-6, IL-8) with a fermented papaya and noni (Morinda citrifolia) supplement for 20 days. It is one trial of a supplement, partly paid for by a company, not a study of the fruit. | 13 14 11 |
| Digestive Support | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Constipation and bowel regularity: We found no trial of eating papaya for constipation. A 2022 pooled analysis of 11 fruit trials in functional constipation found its benefit mainly for kiwifruit, and papaya was not the focus in the abstract. Intestinal worms (papaya seed preparations): One small trial in Nigerian children reported that an elixir of dried papaya seeds with honey cleared stool parasites more often than honey alone. Papaya seeds are not the usual fruit flesh, and this was a pilot study that needs repeating. | 8 16 |
| Heart Health | Potential benefit | Not enough evidence | Heart health and blood pressure: A 2026 mini-review looks at possible heart-protective effects of different parts of the papaya plant. The abstract mentions traditional use of the fruit for blood pressure but gives no human trial results. | 17 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immune System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Absorbing orange plant pigments (carotenoids) and vitamin A precursors Studied for: Low platelets in dengue fever (papaya leaf extract or juice) | 21 6 13 14 11 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Blood sugar after eating papaya (glycaemic index) Studied for: Blood sugar and immune cell function in type 2 diabetes (fermented papaya preparation) | 18 4 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Gum health (oral care products containing papaya) Studied for: Constipation and bowel regularity | 20 8 16 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Heart health and blood pressure | 17 |
E. Health conditions
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latex-fruit syndrome | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | People with latex allergy can react to papaya, sometimes severely. Preparation or compound: Papaya fruit |
7 19 |
| Food allergy | Adverse effect or risk | Documented risk | Papain and chymopapain are known food allergens. Preparation or compound: Papaya fruit and papain |
5 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carotenoids and retinyl esters in blood fats after a meal | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: higher after papaya than after tomato or carrot meals. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 21 6 |
| Glycaemic index (blood glucose response compared with glucose) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: intermediate (58). A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 18 |
| Gingival index and plaque index | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lower with papaya oral care products. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lycopene | Biological association | Composition data and small human absorption study | Orange-red plant pigment. Absorption from papaya was about 2.6 times that from tomato in 16 healthy adults. No health outcome tested. Preparation or compound: Flesh |
26 21 |
| Beta-cryptoxanthin and beta-carotene | Biological association | Composition data and small human absorption studies | Can be turned into vitamin A in the body. Beta-carotene from papaya was about three times more bioavailable than from carrot or tomato in one small study. Preparation or compound: Flesh |
26 21 6 |
| Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | Biological association | Composition data and official guidance | Essential nutrient; lack causes scurvy (NHS). Preparation or compound: Flesh |
26 25 |
| Papain, chymopapain, caricain, glycyl endopeptidase | Biological association | Regulatory opinion | Used as food-processing enzymes. Papain and chymopapain are known food allergens (EFSA). Preparation or compound: Latex of unripe fruit |
5 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what the research found for 9 outcomes
Each outcome below is one thing researchers measured. Certainty is how far the evidence can be trusted, not how well it works. The full studies are on the next tab.
The evidence
The research centre for Papaya. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing papaya summary, re-read the USDA FoodData Central record and the NHS pages, and read PubMed abstracts. Only abstracts were read for studies. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
Study library: every study we checked 26
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adebiyi 2002 Papaya (Carica papaya) consumption is unsafe in pregnancy: fact or fable? Scientific evaluation of a common belief in some parts of Asia using a rat model. Br J Nutr · PMID 12144723 · DOI |
Animal and lab study animal |
Pregnant and non-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats | Ripe papaya blend and crude papaya latex ripe fruit; latex Different stages of gestation · vs Water (control) |
Rats given ripe papaya blend showed no change in implantation sites or fetuses and no toxicity. In isolated uterus tissue, ripe papaya juice did not contract the muscle, but crude papaya latex caused spasms comparable to oxytocin and prostaglandin. The authors say ripe papaya may be safe, but unripe or semi-ripe papaya with more latex could be unsafe in pregnancy and human data are needed. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Implantation sites, fetuses, uterine muscle contraction Limitations: Rat and tissue work only; human risk not established. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Chan 2011 Effect of herbal consumption on time in therapeutic range of warfarin therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol · PMID 21558883 · DOI |
Cross sectional comparison study |
250 250 patients with atrial fibrillation on warfarin in Hong Kong (aged about 69) |
Herbal foods and herbs, including papaya (reported by 55.2%) At least 6 months on warfarin · vs Infrequent users and non-users |
Patients who used herbs at least 4 times a week (more than one kind) had an INR in range less often (51.1% vs 58.1%, P = 0.046). Papaya was reported by 55.2%, but results are not given for papaya alone. 51.1% vs 58.1% in range (P = 0.046) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Time in the target INR range 2.0 to 3.0 Limitations: Observational; papaya not analysed on its own; mixed herbs and foods. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Diaz-Perales 1999 Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans. J Allergy Clin Immunol · PMID 10482846 · DOI |
Laboratory immunology study human (serum) |
Sera from latex-fruit allergic patients vs latex-allergic patients without fruit allergy | Extracts of 20 plant foods and latex fruit extracts · vs Sera from latex-allergic people without fruit allergy |
Proteins of about 30 to 45 kd (putative class I chitinases) in papaya and other foods (chestnut, cherimoya, passion fruit, kiwi, mango, tomato, wheat flour) were recognised by sera from latex-fruit allergic patients, and avocado chitinase or latex extract blocked the binding. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: IgE binding to class I chitinases Limitations: Lab study of cross-reactive proteins, not a trial of eating papaya. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Dickerson 2015 Does oral supplementation of a fermented papaya preparation correct respiratory burst function of innate immune cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients? Antioxid Redox Signal · PMID 25268638 · DOI |
Clinical trial (before and after) mixed |
Adults with type 2 diabetes (number not in abstract) | Fermented papaya preparation (FPP) fruit, fermented 6 weeks of supplementation · vs Baseline values |
FPP induced respiratory burst in blood cells and did not influence other blood parameters studied. Lab cell work suggested a sugar-independent component raises cell energy. No numbers in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Respiratory burst of immune cells; fasting glucose, lipids, HbA1c, peroxidation Limitations: Supplement, not food; includes cell-culture work; small details missing. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract; NIH extramural support listed Read: abstract |
| EFSA Panel on Food Enzymes (FEZ) 2026 Safety evaluation of the food enzyme papain, a cysteine endopeptidase complex from the latex of Carica papaya L. EFSA J · PMID 41778101 · DOI |
Regulatory safety opinion (EFSA Panel on Food Enzymes) n/a |
Food enzyme papain complex from latex of unripe papaya (Enzyme Development Corporation) | Papain, chymopapain, caricain and glycyl endopeptidase complex latex of unripe fruit |
Papain and chymopapain are known food allergens. The Panel said a risk of allergic reactions on dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but concluded the food enzyme gives no safety concern under the intended conditions of use. Toxicity studies were not required under current guidance. Dietary exposure estimated up to 20.963 mg TOS per kg body weight per day Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety under 13 food manufacturing uses Limitations: About a processed food enzyme, not ripe fruit. Abstract read only. Funding and conflicts: Official EU body; no conflict listed in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Gouado 2007 Systemic levels of carotenoids from mangoes and papaya consumed in three forms (juice, fresh and dry slice). Eur J Clin Nutr · PMID 17637601 · DOI |
Randomised crossover trial (two groups) |
14 Two groups of seven healthy volunteers in Cameroon (aged 24 and 25) |
Papaya or mango as juice, fresh fruit or dried slices, with bread and yogurt fruit One test day per form; blood at fasting, 4 h and 8 h · vs Between forms |
In papaya, lycopene and cryptoxanthin were the main carotenoids but appeared in low amounts in the chylomicrons. All three forms raised serum retinol. Papaya and mango as juice or fresh fruit had higher bioavailability values than dried slices. Qualitative; numbers not in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Serum carotenoids and retinol (HPLC) Limitations: Only 7 people per fruit; one day; no placebo. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Gromek 2024 Revisiting Latex-Fruit Syndrome after 30 Years of Research: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Description of Two Cases. J Clin Med · PMID 39064262 · DOI |
Systematic literature review with two case reports |
Studies of latex-allergic patients (prevalence 4 to 88% across studies) | Natural rubber latex and fruit allergens fruit |
Banana, avocado, kiwifruit and papaya were the most common allergenic fruits in people with latex-fruit syndrome. 73% of reported fruit-allergy symptoms were systemic (outside the local reaction); 27% were local. 73% systemic symptoms Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Prevalence and symptoms of latex-fruit syndrome Limitations: Prevalence varied widely with the tests used and region; review of mixed-quality studies. Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no conflicts of interest Read: abstract |
| Huo 2022 Effect of fruit intake on functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and crossover studies. Front Nutr · PMID 36276840 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis |
11 11 randomised or crossover trials of fruit in functional constipation |
Fruits (kiwifruit, palm date, orange juice, fig paste and others) fruit Varied · vs Varied |
Kiwifruit raised stool frequency; fruit may help constipation and gut bacteria, but larger studies are needed. Papaya is not mentioned in the abstract. Kiwifruit stool frequency MD 0.26 (0.22 to 0.30) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Stool frequency, stool form, gut bacteria Limitations: Not about papaya; included here only to say no papaya trial was found. Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no conflicts Read: abstract |
| Izzo 2005 Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of drug interaction. Int J Cardiol · PMID 15676159 · DOI |
Narrative review of case reports and trials |
43 case reports and 8 clinical trials of herbal medicines with heart drugs (1996 to 2003) | Herbal medicines including papaya |
Warfarin was the most common drug involved; papaya was among the herbs reported with over-anticoagulation. The abstract does not say in what form papaya was taken or how strong the evidence was. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Herb-heart drug interactions Limitations: Case reports and small studies; form of papaya not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Jiang 2016 Papain Induced Occupational Asthma with Kiwi and Fig Allergy. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res · PMID 26739411 · DOI |
Case report with literature review |
1 One factory worker plus 13 literature cases of papain allergy |
Papain (meat tenderiser enzyme) enzyme from latex |
A man working with papain in a sausage plant developed asthma and also reacted to kiwi and fig; specific IgE was positive to papain and chymopapain. In 13 literature cases, 85% were sensitised through the airways. 11 of 13 (85%) sensitised through breathing Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Papain allergy and cross-allergy to fruit Limitations: A single case plus a small review; not about eating papaya. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Kharaeva 2022 Fermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia as Perspective Food Supplements for the Treatment of Post-COVID Symptoms: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Laboratory Study. Nutrients · PMID 35684003 · DOI |
Randomised placebo controlled trial |
188 188 adults recovering from COVID-19 (157 delta, 31 omicron) |
Fermented Carica papaya plus Morinda citrifolia supplements fruit, fermented 20 days · vs Placebo |
Symptoms, IL-6, IL-8 and nitric oxide metabolites fell significantly versus placebo and baseline; immune-cell phagocytosis, antioxidant activity and ATP rose; throat and nose microbiota unchanged. Significant reductions; no numbers in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Symptoms, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, interferon-gamma, nitrate/nitrite, antioxidant activity, immune-cell ATP and phagocytosis Limitations: Single centre; mixed papaya and noni supplement; 20 days; effect sizes not in abstract. Funding and conflicts: Partly funded by Natural Health Farm, Selangor, Malaysia (a researcher is employed there); the funder had no role in design, analysis or writing, per the paper Read: abstract |
| Lim 2021 Carica papaya L. Leaf: A Systematic Scoping Review on Biological Safety and Herb-Drug Interactions. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 34040647 · DOI |
Systematic scoping review mixed |
41 41 articles (23 clinical, 5 ongoing trials, 13 preclinical) |
Carica papaya LEAF juice and standardised aqueous extract leaf Mostly under five days · vs Varied |
Leaf products were well tolerated by adults for short periods; minor stomach and gut effects were most common. Animal studies raised concern about liver and reproductive toxicity with long-term use. Unfavourable interactions were reported with metformin, glimepiride, digoxin, ciprofloxacin and artemisinin. The authors caution use in pregnancy and in people with liver impairment. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Safety and herb-drug interactions Limitations: About leaf products, not the fruit. Mixed quality. Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no conflicts Read: abstract |
| Maideen 2025 A Review of Potentials of Carica Papaya Leaves in Dengue Viral Infection - Insights of Clinical and Preclinical Studies. Drug Res (Stuttg) · PMID 39842450 · DOI |
Narrative review (clinical, animal, lab, computer studies) mixed |
Studies of papaya leaf in dengue | Carica papaya leaf extract or juice leaf Varied · vs Varied |
Says leaf extract may raise platelet count and may help recovery alongside supportive care; says more randomised trials are needed to confirm safety and effect. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Platelets and recovery in dengue Limitations: No pooled numbers in the abstract; leaf products, not the fruit. Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no conflicts of interest Read: abstract |
| Masooma 2024 Prospects of Carica papaya in the treatment of human viral infections: A comprehensive and a systematic review. Heliyon · PMID 39553635 · DOI |
Systematic review mixed |
15 15 studies of papaya and human viruses (2015 to March 2024) |
Carica papaya leaves (powder or juice) or fruit leaf and fruit Varied · vs Varied |
7 of 15 studies showed significant anti-dengue activity, 1 moderate, 2 none; 2 showed strong activity against SARS-CoV-2 and single studies for HIV, chikungunya and Zika. The authors say most work was in vitro, with little in vivo or clinical testing. 7/15 studies with significant dengue activity Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Antiviral activity Limitations: Mostly lab work; search limited to 2015 to 2024; authors call the result a 'potential' only. Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no competing interests Read: abstract |
| Mba-Jonas 2018 A Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Agona Infections Associated With Consumption of Fresh, Whole Papayas Imported From Mexico-United States, 2011. Clin Infect Dis · PMID 29471372 · DOI |
Outbreak investigation |
106 106 case patients in 25 US states in 2011 |
Fresh whole papayas from Mexico whole fruit Outbreak Jan to Aug 2011 |
57% of 56 interviewed case patients reported eating papaya. FDA isolated the outbreak strain from a papaya sample at a distributor and at the border; Salmonella was found in 62 of 388 (16%) import samples. This led to a recall and an FDA import alert for all papayas from Mexico. Described as the first US Salmonella outbreak linked to whole fresh papayas. 32 of 56 reported papaya Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Source of Salmonella Agona infections Limitations: Outbreak investigations have no control group; this describes a past event. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Okeniyi 2007 Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study. J Med Food · PMID 17472487 · DOI |
Randomised pilot trial |
60 60 asymptomatic Nigerian children with stool parasites |
Elixir of air-dried papaya seeds with honey seed Stool check after 7 days · vs Honey alone |
23 of 30 (76.7%) cleared parasites with the seed elixir versus 5 of 30 (16.7%) with honey. No harmful effects were reported in the abstract. 76.7% vs 16.7% Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clearance of parasites on stool microscopy Limitations: Pilot, seed product, 7-day follow-up, no comparison with standard medicine; authors' wording ('harmless') goes further than the data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Olas 2026 Various parts of Carica papaya L. - the cardioprotective potential and prospects for pharmacological use. Front Mol Biosci · PMID 42422883 · DOI |
Mini review mixed |
Papaya plant parts and cardiovascular disease | Carica papaya fruit, flowers, bark, roots and isolated compounds various |
Describes traditional use of the fruit for blood pressure via a possible diuretic effect and discusses mechanisms of isolated compounds. No human trial results in the abstract. Qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cardioprotective potential Limitations: Only abstract read; mostly mechanisms. Funding and conflicts: Author declared no conflicts Read: abstract |
| Robert 2008 Glycemic index of common Malaysian fruits. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr · PMID 18364324 |
Randomised crossover trial |
10 10 healthy volunteers (5 women, 5 men) |
Fresh Malaysian papaya, pineapple, watermelon, durian; portions with 50 g available carbohydrate fruit Blood glucose for 2 hours after each food · vs Glucose (reference food) |
Pineapple raised blood glucose more than papaya, watermelon or durian. Glycaemic index: pineapple 82, papaya 58, watermelon 55, durian 49. The authors call papaya intermediate. GI 58 +/- 6 (papaya) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Incremental area under the glucose curve; glycaemic index Limitations: Very small group, each test food tested once, healthy people only. Authors note results depend on food-table portion data. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Rojas-Mandujano 2018 Latex-papaya syndrome: an infrequent association (Spanish-language journal; English abstract read) Rev Alerg Mex · PMID 29723936 · DOI |
Cross sectional observational study (Mexico) |
11 11 patients with latex allergy by skin-prick test and clinically diagnosed papaya-induced anaphylaxis (72.7% female, ages 7 to 46) |
Papaya (food reaction in latex-allergic people) fruit |
All 11 had a history of papaya-induced anaphylaxis. Risk factors included multiple surgeries, other allergic disease and working in health care. The authors say papaya hypersensitivity raises anaphylaxis risk in latex-allergic people and stress adrenaline self-injection education. 11 of 11 with papaya anaphylaxis history (by selection) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical features of latex-papaya syndrome Limitations: Tiny selected group of patients already known to react; no comparison group; frequency in the general public is not given. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| Saberi 2025 The Effect of Carica Papaya on Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Adv Biomed Res · PMID 40958927 · DOI |
Systematic review and meta analysis |
206 5 randomised trials, 206 adults |
Carica papaya oral care products Varied · vs Control groups |
Lower gingival and plaque indexes with papaya products than control; no difference in papilla bleeding. GI WMD -0.28; PI WMD -0.36 (GI -0.45 to -0.10; PI -0.59 to -0.14) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Gingival index, plaque index, papilla bleeding index Limitations: Extremely high heterogeneity (I2 98 to 99%); products not the fruit; searched up to June 2021. Funding and conflicts: Authors declared no conflicts of interest Read: abstract |
| Schweiggert 2014 Carotenoids are more bioavailable from papaya than from tomato and carrot in humans: a randomised cross-over study. Br J Nutr · PMID 23931131 · DOI |
Randomised crossover trial |
16 16 healthy volunteers |
Raw papaya, tomato and carrot test meals adjusted for equal beta-carotene and lycopene fruit flesh (raw) Blood sampled over 9.5 hours after each meal · vs Raw carrot and tomato |
Beta-carotene from papaya was about three times more bioavailable than from carrots and tomatoes. Retinyl esters were higher after the papaya meal. Lycopene was about 2.6 times more bioavailable from papaya than tomato. Beta-cryptoxanthin was 2.9 and 2.3 times more bioavailable than papaya beta-carotene and lycopene. about 3x (beta-carotene), about 2.6x (lycopene) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Bioavailability of beta-carotene, lycopene and beta-cryptoxanthin (triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fraction); retinyl esters Limitations: Small study; single test meals; marker of absorption, not a health outcome. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract (listed as non-US government research support) Read: abstract |
| Whitney 2021 A Series of Papaya-Associated Salmonella Illness Outbreak Investigations in 2017 and 2019: A Focus on Traceback, Laboratory, and Collaborative Efforts. J Food Prot · PMID 34265065 · DOI |
Outbreak investigation series (US 2017 and 2019) |
325 325 ill persons across five outbreaks |
Whole fresh Maradol papayas whole fruit 2017 and 2019 |
Five outbreaks of multiple Salmonella strains were linked to whole fresh Maradol papayas, with 325 ill persons. FDA found Salmonella in 11 of 183 samples in 2017 and 3 of 119 in 2019. Traceback linked four suppliers and farms in Mexico; guidance, recalls and import alerts followed. 325 ill persons Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Source of Salmonella outbreaks Limitations: Describes investigations; no comparison group. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement in the abstract Read: abstract |
| s-gbif-carica-papaya GBIF Backbone: Carica papaya L. (usageKey 2874484) · Source |
Reference database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nhs-foods-to-avoid NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy · Source |
Official health guidance n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-nhs-vitamin-c NHS: Vitamin C · Source |
Official health guidance n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text | ||
| s-usda-fdc-169926 USDA FoodData Central: Papayas, raw (FDC 169926, SR Legacy) · Source |
Food composition database n/a |
Methods, limits and fundingRead: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No randomised trial of eating ripe papaya for constipation, blood pressure, cholesterol or any disease was found.
- Carotenoid and blood sugar findings are from small groups of healthy adults.
- Pregnancy advice on unripe papaya rests on rat data, and breastfeeding and children were not researched.
- Papaya and warfarin rest on case reports and an observational study that did not isolate papaya.
- Heavy metals, pesticides, GM papaya and the FDA and CDC outbreak pages were not researched or read.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue before the page changes.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 3
Carotenoids and retinyl esters in blood fats after a meal
Higher after papaya than after tomato or carrot meals in trials
Orange plant pigments and a vitamin A product that appear in the blood after they are absorbed from food.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Shows how well the body absorbs the pigments from a food.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Shows uptake only. It is not known whether this changes health outcomes.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Beta-carotene about 3x and lycopene about 2.6x more bioavailable from papaya (vs carrot/tomato); retinyl esters higher after papaya | 16 healthy adults | Raw papaya, carrot or tomato test meals with equal carotenoid amounts |
| 6 | Serum retinol rose with juice, fresh fruit and dried slices; juice and fresh gave higher bioavailability values | 14 healthy adults in Cameroon | Papaya or mango as juice, fresh or dried, with a breakfast |
Glycaemic index (blood glucose response compared with glucose)
Intermediate (58) in trials
A score showing how much a food raises blood sugar compared with the same amount of carbohydrate as pure glucose.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A simple way to compare foods for blood sugar effect.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Intermediate on this scale. Not a statement about people with diabetes.
Safety implication
People managing diabetes can ask their care team how fruit fits their plan.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 | Glycaemic index 58 +/- 6 for papaya versus 82 +/- 4 for pineapple | 10 healthy adults | Fresh papaya portion with 50 g available carbohydrate |
Gingival index and plaque index
Lower with papaya oral care products in trials
Dentist scores of gum inflammation and plaque on the teeth.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Standard measures in gum disease trials.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Small score changes; very inconsistent between trials.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | Gingival index WMD -0.28 (95% CI -0.45 to -0.10); plaque index WMD -0.36 (-0.59 to -0.14); papilla bleeding not different | 206 adults in 5 trials | Papaya-containing oral care products |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- People with a latex allergy can react to papaya. Papaya is one of the fruits most often involved in latex-fruit syndrome, where people allergic to natural rubber latex also react to some foods. A 2024 review found most reported fruit symptoms in this group (73%) were whole-body, not just in the mouth. A small Mexican series of 11 latex-allergic patients all had a history of papaya anaphylaxis. If you have a latex allergy, ask an allergist before eating papaya. Review 7 19 3
- A serious allergic reaction is an emergency. Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, wheezing, trouble breathing, or fainting after eating papaya needs emergency help right away (911 in the US, 999 in the UK). People who have had severe reactions may have been given an adrenaline auto-injector by their doctor. Authoritative guidance 7 19
- Papain, the papaya enzyme, is a known allergen. Papain and chymopapain from papaya latex are known food allergens. EFSA (2026) said an allergic reaction to the food enzyme cannot be excluded, while concluding it raises no safety concern under its intended food-processing uses. Breathing papain dust at work can cause asthma. The enzyme is different from ripe fruit. Authoritative guidance 5 10
- Whole papayas have been linked to Salmonella outbreaks. US investigators linked whole fresh papayas from Mexico to Salmonella outbreaks in 2011 (106 ill in 25 states) and to five outbreaks in 2017 and 2019 (325 ill). The NHS says fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating to remove any soil. Washing is general good practice; none of the outbreak papers we read test whether it removes Salmonella. Observational 15 22 24
- Unripe papaya in pregnancy: unknown in people. In rats, ripe papaya showed no pregnancy harm, but crude papaya latex made isolated uterus muscle contract, and the authors say unripe or semi-ripe papaya might be unsafe. No human study or official statement was found. Ask your midwife or doctor, especially about unripe papaya or papaya supplements. Animal lab 1
Side effects 4
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allergic reaction to papaya, from itchy mouth to anaphylaxis Most clearly described in people with latex allergy. Frequency in the general public was not found. | Not established | mild to severe Severe reactions need emergency treatment | Review 7 19 |
| Salmonella food poisoning from contaminated whole papayas Outbreaks were traced to imported papayas; outbreaks are rare events. | Not established | mild to severe Varies | Observational 15 22 |
| Asthma or rhinitis from breathing papain dust at work An occupational problem with the enzyme, not with eating fruit. | Not established | moderate Not stated | Case report 10 |
| Minor stomach and gut upset with papaya leaf juice or extract Leaf products, short-term use. Not the fruit. | Not established | mild Not stated | Review 12 |
Liver
No liver injury from eating ripe papaya was found in the sources read. A scoping review of papaya LEAF products raised concern about liver harm with long-term use, based on animal studies, and cautions use in liver impairment. LiverTox was not checked. 12
How often. No frequency found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Papaya supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warfarin and other blood thinners prescription | Not established. | A 2005 review of case reports lists papaya among herbs reported with over-anticoagulation on warfarin, without saying what form or how strong the evidence is. A 2011 study of 250 warfarin patients found poorer INR control in frequent herb users, with papaya common but not analysed alone. Neither shows that eating papaya fruit changes warfarin control. | Case report Very low certainty 9 2 | If you take warfarin, tell your clinic if you often eat large amounts of papaya or take papaya products, and have your INR checked as they advise. |
| Diabetes medicines (metformin, glimepiride), digoxin, ciprofloxacin, artemisinin prescription | Not established in the abstract. | A scoping review reported unfavourable interactions with papaya LEAF extract or juice. This is not evidence about the fruit. | Review Low certainty 12 | Ask a pharmacist before using papaya leaf products with these medicines. |
| Other medicines (general) prescription | No other source read describes an interaction with eating papaya fruit. | None found Not enough evidence | A pharmacist can check your own medicines. |
Who should check first 2
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Latex allergy with a past reaction to papaya, or known papain allergy | Avoid papaya and papaya-enzyme products and see an allergist. Follow your own emergency plan. | Review 7 19 5 |
| Papaya leaf extract or juice with liver disease, or in pregnancy | The scoping review cautions against it. Ask a clinician first. | Review 12 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Ripe papaya flesh is an ordinary food. The concerns found are allergy, Salmonella on whole fruit, and the latex of unripe fruit in pregnancy (animal and lab data only).
Animal. In rats, ripe papaya blend caused no maternal or fetal toxicity; crude latex made isolated uterus muscle contract.
Human doses studied. Supplement and leaf trials were short; no safety problem was reported in the abstracts read.
High dose or long term signals. Long-term papaya leaf use raised liver and reproductive concerns in animal studies (scoping review).
Overdose response. Not found.
Genotoxicity. Not reviewed.
Toxic or hazardous parts. Latex of unripe fruit (animal and lab uterine effects). Seeds, leaves, roots and bark were not assessed for toxicity here.
Whole papayas have carried Salmonella in several US outbreaks. Heavy metals, pesticides and mould toxins in papaya were not researched.
Salmonella outbreaks, 2011. 106 people in 25 states; 57% of 56 interviewed case patients reported papaya; FDA found Salmonella in 16% (62 of 388) of import samples; recall and import alert followed. 15
Salmonella outbreaks, 2017 and 2019. Five outbreaks, 325 ill persons, linked to whole Maradol papayas from four suppliers; FDA found Salmonella in 11 of 183 samples (2017) and 3 of 119 (2019). 22
Washing produce. The NHS says fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly before eating to remove any soil. 24
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|---|---|
| EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) Panel on Food Enzymes (European Union) | Papain from unripe papaya latex: risk of allergic reaction cannot be excluded; no safety concern under intended food-processing uses source | 2026 |
| NHS (UK) (United Kingdom) | Vitamin C: adults 19 to 64 need 40 mg a day; more than 1,000 mg a day can cause stomach pain, diarrhoea and flatulence source | 2026-10-25 (page read) |
| NHS (UK) (United Kingdom) | Pregnancy food pages do not mention papaya; fruit and vegetables should be washed source | 2026-10-25 (page read) |
When to get medical help
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing, wheezing or a tight throat
- Feeling faint, dizzy or collapsing after eating papaya
- Spreading hives or a swollen face after eating papaya
- Bloody diarrhoea, high fever, severe stomach cramps or dehydration after eating raw papaya (possible Salmonella)
Stop using the product and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is papaya good for?
It is a good source of vitamin C and orange carotenoid pigments, with about 62 calories per cup of pieces. No trial shows that eating the fruit prevents or treats a disease.
How much vitamin C is in papaya?
Does papaya have a lot of sugar?
Is papaya good for people with diabetes?
Does the body absorb the orange pigments in papaya?
Does papaya leaf juice cure dengue?
Does papaya help constipation or digestion?
We found no trial of papaya for constipation. A review of fruit trials found a clear benefit for kiwifruit, not papaya.
Can I eat papaya if I am allergic to latex?
When is a papaya reaction an emergency?
Is papaya safe in pregnancy?
Can papaya cause food poisoning?
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against the sources listed.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We started from our existing papaya summary, re-read the USDA FoodData Central record and the NHS pages, and read PubMed abstracts. Only abstracts were read for studies. Items we could not verify are flagged in the research gaps.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 26
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Adebiyi A, Adaikan PG, Prasad RN. Papaya (Carica papaya) consumption is unsafe in pregnancy: fact or fable? Scientific evaluation of a common belief in some parts of Asia using a rat model.. Br J Nutr. 2002. PMID 12144723. DOI 10.1079/BJNBJN2002598. (abstract)
- Chan HT, So LT, Li SW et al.. Effect of herbal consumption on time in therapeutic range of warfarin therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation.. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol. 2011. PMID 21558883. DOI 10.1097/FJC.0b013e31821cd888. (abstract)
- Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C et al.. Cross-reactions in the latex-fruit syndrome: A relevant role of chitinases but not of complex asparagine-linked glycans.. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1999. PMID 10482846. DOI 10.1016/s0091-6749(99)70342-8. (abstract)
- Dickerson R, Banerjee J, Rauckhorst A et al.. Does oral supplementation of a fermented papaya preparation correct respiratory burst function of innate immune cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients?. Antioxid Redox Signal. 2015. PMID 25268638. DOI 10.1089/ars.2014.6138. (abstract)
- EFSA Panel on Food Enzymes (FEZ), Zorn H, Barat Baviera JM et al.. Safety evaluation of the food enzyme papain, a cysteine endopeptidase complex from the latex of Carica papaya L.. EFSA J. 2026. PMID 41778101. DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9950. (abstract)
- Gouado I, Schweigert FJ, Ejoh RA et al.. Systemic levels of carotenoids from mangoes and papaya consumed in three forms (juice, fresh and dry slice).. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2007. PMID 17637601. DOI 10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602841. (abstract)
- Gromek W, Kołdej N, Świtała S et al.. Revisiting Latex-Fruit Syndrome after 30 Years of Research: A Comprehensive Literature Review and Description of Two Cases.. J Clin Med. 2024. PMID 39064262. DOI 10.3390/jcm13144222. (abstract)
- Huo J, Wu L, Lv J et al.. Effect of fruit intake on functional constipation: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and crossover studies.. Front Nutr. 2022. PMID 36276840. DOI 10.3389/fnut.2022.1018502. (abstract)
- Izzo AA, Di Carlo G, Borrelli F et al.. Cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and herbal medicines: the risk of drug interaction.. Int J Cardiol. 2005. PMID 15676159. DOI 10.1016/j.ijcard.2003.06.039. (abstract)
- Jiang N, Yin J, Wen L. Papain Induced Occupational Asthma with Kiwi and Fig Allergy.. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2016. PMID 26739411. DOI 10.4168/aair.2016.8.2.170. (abstract)
- Kharaeva Z, Shokarova A, Shomakhova Z et al.. Fermented Carica papaya and Morinda citrifolia as Perspective Food Supplements for the Treatment of Post-COVID Symptoms: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Clinical Laboratory Study.. Nutrients. 2022. PMID 35684003. DOI 10.3390/nu14112203. (abstract)
- Lim XY, Chan JSW, Japri N et al.. Carica papaya L. Leaf: A Systematic Scoping Review on Biological Safety and Herb-Drug Interactions.. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021. PMID 34040647. DOI 10.1155/2021/5511221. (abstract)
- Maideen NMP, Balasubramanian R, Shanmugam A et al.. A Review of Potentials of Carica Papaya Leaves in Dengue Viral Infection - Insights of Clinical and Preclinical Studies.. Drug Res (Stuttg). 2025. PMID 39842450. DOI 10.1055/a-2509-8644. (abstract)
- Masooma, Qaiser A, Ali DS et al.. Prospects of Carica papaya in the treatment of human viral infections: A comprehensive and a systematic review.. Heliyon. 2024. PMID 39553635. DOI 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39635. (abstract)
- Mba-Jonas A, Culpepper W, Hill T et al.. A Multistate Outbreak of Human Salmonella Agona Infections Associated With Consumption of Fresh, Whole Papayas Imported From Mexico-United States, 2011.. Clin Infect Dis. 2018. PMID 29471372. DOI 10.1093/cid/cix1094. (abstract)
- Okeniyi JA, Ogunlesi TA, Oyelami OA et al.. Effectiveness of dried Carica papaya seeds against human intestinal parasitosis: a pilot study.. J Med Food. 2007. PMID 17472487. DOI 10.1089/jmf.2005.065. (abstract)
- Olas B. Various parts of Carica papaya L. - the cardioprotective potential and prospects for pharmacological use.. Front Mol Biosci. 2026. PMID 42422883. DOI 10.3389/fmolb.2026.1818282. (abstract)
- Robert SD, Ismail AA, Winn T et al.. Glycemic index of common Malaysian fruits.. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008. PMID 18364324. (abstract)
- Rojas-Mandujano V, González-Juárez K, Hernández-Fernández C et al.. Latex-papaya syndrome: an infrequent association (Spanish-language journal; English abstract read). Rev Alerg Mex. 2018. PMID 29723936. DOI 10.29262/ram.v65i1.302. (abstract)
- Saberi Z, Rahimi A, Feizi A et al.. The Effect of Carica Papaya on Periodontal Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.. Adv Biomed Res. 2025. PMID 40958927. DOI 10.4103/abr.abr_223_24. (abstract)
- Schweiggert RM, Kopec RE, Villalobos-Gutierrez MG et al.. Carotenoids are more bioavailable from papaya than from tomato and carrot in humans: a randomised cross-over study.. Br J Nutr. 2014. PMID 23931131. DOI 10.1017/S0007114513002596. (abstract)
- Whitney BM, McCLURE M, Hassan R et al.. A Series of Papaya-Associated Salmonella Illness Outbreak Investigations in 2017 and 2019: A Focus on Traceback, Laboratory, and Collaborative Efforts.. J Food Prot. 2021. PMID 34265065. DOI 10.4315/JFP-21-082. (abstract)
- . GBIF Backbone: Carica papaya L. (usageKey 2874484). . . (full-text)
- . NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy. . . (full-text)
- . NHS: Vitamin C. . . (full-text)
- . USDA FoodData Central: Papayas, raw (FDC 169926, SR Legacy). . . (full-text)
Where to buy
Check the label first. Whatever you buy, look for these:
- Unsweetened with no added sugar, if you want the fruit alone
- Sulfur dioxide (sulfites) listed on the label: some people react
- A best-by date and a resealable bag
- Dried fruit is high in sugar and calories, so watch portions
Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before you start any supplement, especially if you take medicines. See the Safety tab for interactions.
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