Carica Papaya Side Effects

Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya, is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in normal food amounts. However, there are some precautions and potential side effects to be aware of:

Side Effects:

• Minor gastrointestinal side effects were the most commonly reported adverse reactions related to Carica papaya leaf consumption, with concerns about hepatotoxicity and reproductive toxicity in long-term use.

• Applying papaya latex to the skin can cause severe irritation and allergic reactions in some individuals.

• Unripe papaya fruit, which contains papaya latex, may be unsafe and could potentially damage the esophagus when taken in large amounts.

• Pregnant women are advised to avoid unripe papaya fruit due to concerns about potential harm to the fetus or causing birth defects.

Precautions:

• Papaya is possibly unsafe when taken in medicinal amounts during pregnancy, as unprocessed papain found in papaya might pose risks to the fetus.

• Individuals with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar closely when consuming fermented papaya, as it can lower blood sugar levels.

• Those allergic to latex or papain should use caution with papaya products.

• Surgery patients taking papaya should stop consumption two weeks before surgery, as it may affect blood sugar levels during and after the procedure.

While Carica papaya is generally safe for consumption, individuals should be cautious about potential side effects, especially in specific groups like pregnant women, individuals with diabetes, and those with latex or papain allergies. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using papaya in medicinal amounts or if there are concerns about potential side effects.