Papaya Uses & Benefits :
Papaya contains digestive enzymes
Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. The fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes including papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. The milk like juice from unripe fruit called latex, contains the most concentration of papain, enough some people say to remove freckles.
Papaya leaf is used in herbal medicine to remove intestinal worms. Papaya leaf has less of the protein-dissolving papain than the fruit, so it is less likely to "dissolve" the worms, but it contains tannins that the fruit does not. These tannins protect the intestine from reinfection by "tanning" proteins in the lining of the intestinal wall so that worms cannot attach themselves. Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-06-23)
Papaya How to Use Papaya - for :Proteolytic enzymes -
The papaya fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes, that help digest proteins.
Papya - for :Intestinal worms, vermafuge -
Proteolytic enzymes in papaya work to remove intestinal worms and other parasites. The primary use of papaya leaf is that of a vermifuge, it contains tannins that the fruit does not, helping to protect against reinfection.
Papaya Side Effects:
Not for long term use - can have a strong laxative effect. The papaya fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves contain carpaine, an anthelmintic (antiparasitic) alkaloid which could be dangerous in high doses.
Generally speaking, I have no issue with papaya. But like everything, you do have to use it correctly. My carica papaya says 5 drops in water daily. Mine is a mother tincture. So, depending on strength and form of the enzyme (capsules vs. liquids, etc.) would depend on how it gets taken. Because it is anti-parasitic, it does bode the question, could the immune system be responding to an overrun of parasites in ITP? It might be possible that this works for some people because it actually kills parasites they have and thus frees up the immune system to function as it should. Just a thought. Totally nothing to back it up. Just tossing out ideas because this seems to work for some but not others and that might potentially be why. Parasites DO damage the immune system so I *could* see where it might make a difference.
Totally for using it, just making sure you verify dosing for effectiveness.