We’re in the season where we remember three migrant kings visiting a certain site in the Holy Land. Which is a good enough excuse to be talking about what is often referred to as King’s disease. We’re talking gout, a disease that struck the rich and powerful of ancient times, while sparing the poor. Ironically, treating it may involve the humblest of fruits.
Pawpaws (AKA papayas) aren’t exactly “hero” fruit. Apples, yes. They keep doctors away. Avo’s, yes. They are full of good fats and fibres.
But pawpaws? The best they seem to do, is to hit the fan.
(Whoever first came up with that mental image was battling some serious neuro-divergency issues.)
Calling someone a “pawpaw” is hardly a compliment. Au contraire.
So, does the humble pawpaw have any secret superpowers hidden beneath that yellow and black skin? Is this maybe the Clark Kent of superfoods?
Maybe pawpaws really can fly (while avoiding rapidly oscillating blades)?
In 2006, Doc Frank was approached by a “mad inventor” about his idea of using pawpaw seeds to treat gout. Doc Frank began doing some basic research following this tip. Sadly, the inventor passed away shortly afterwards and he never saw his idea blossom.
Doc Frank found that ingesting the seed extract of Carica papaya increases acid excretion in the urine. It was as if it did two things:
1. It dissolved uric acid crystals.
2. It enhanced the kidneys’ ability to excrete the uric acid.
Patients with gout would report an initial, mild gout attack, as the crystals began dissolving. After that, there was no more pain. The gouty lumps would steadily shrink over a period of months.
Incredibly, if used consistently for 6 months, it appeared as though the anti-gout effect was permanent. Even without treatment, it would take several years for the gout to come back (if people did not adjust their lifestyles).
Doc Frank formulated the product “Manna Health pH Balance” for the Manna Health company in 2010. Some years later, he launched a pure Papaya Seed Extract product.
While Doc Frank never published his research on the benefits of papaya seed extract on gout (and therefore it remains anecdotal), a slew of research on this humble component has recently been published. Almost all of it is in vitro (lab scale) or in animals. Sadly, there is no financial incentive to test papaya seed extract’s benefits in humans.
Here’s a list of papaya seed extract benefits, according to science:
Antioxidant Activity
Papaya seeds are rich in tocopherols (Vitamin E analogues) and quercetin, which act as free radical scavengers and metal ion chelators. This helps to counteract oxidative stress. (Link)
Anti-inflammatory Effects
The extract inhibits the expression of inflammatory mediators like interferon-gamma, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and nuclear factor-κB. Lowering these compounds lowers inflammation and reduces pain. (Link)
Immuno-Modulatory Actions
Studies suggest that papaya seed extract can stimulate lymphocytes to do their work better (without going into overdrive). (Link)
Anti-Cancer Properties
Test-tube studies indicate that papaya seed extract may help reduce inflammation and protect against cancer development, as well as decrease the growth of prostate cancer cells. It has a unique mechanism of action, whereby it interrupts the division of cancer cells. (Link)
Kidney Protection
Animal studies suggest that papaya seed extract can help prevent kidney damage and protect kidney health due to its antioxidant properties. This dovetails with Doc Frank’s findings that it enhances acid excretion by the kidneys. (Link)
Liver Protection
Rat studies show that papaya seed extract can protect liver cells from toxic damage and help them heal faster from such damage. (Link)
Anti-Parasitic Properties
Papaya seeds have a centuries’ old traditional use as a medicine to expel intestinal worms. Doc Frank uses this property to successfully treat other parasitic conditions such as malaria and bilharzia (no science to back this up – yet). It is also interesting to note how often anti-parasitic drugs also have anti-cancer properties. (Link)
Improved Gut Health
Papaya seeds have been traditionally used for digestive disorders. They contain digestive enzymes that help process ingested food better. The anti-inflammatory effects may help with diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. (Link)
Anti-Ulcerogenic Activity
Studies have shown anti-ulcerogenic effects, including increasing gastric pH and decreasing gastric acidity. It can help to reduce pepsin secretion, which is involved in the formation of ulcers. Doc Frank may prescribe it in cases of gastric reflux. (Link)
Neuro-Protection / Anti-Ageing
In ageing rats, papaya seed extracts significantly improves cognitive learning skills, memory and muscular strength, while reducing stress and anxiety levels. Neurotransmitter concentration was increased (= better brain functioning). Oxidative stress in the brain was reduced. (Link)
Now THAT will hopefully change your view of the soft yellow fruit forever. The yellow in Superman’s logo may be understated, but it’s still there.
So, who may benefit from Papaya Seed Extract?
- The elderly
- The gouty
- Diabetics
- Those with fibromyalgia
- Those with a history of gut ailments
- Those with cancer
What is the dosage?
The typical dose is 500 mg papaya seed extract daily, with or without food. In cancer, taking double this dose may be advisable.
What Side Effects Can You Expect?
In gout, an initial light gout attack often presents itself, but it passes within a few days. In other conditions, no notable side effects are experienced or reported.
How Safe Is It?
Papaya seed extract is extremely safe, even at high doses. In rats, dosages of 50 mg/kg/day for a whole year did not show any harmful or irrversible effects. This amounts to about 3.5g daily in humans.
Any Interactions With Medication?
None known.
To your (fruitful) health!
The Team at Integrow Health
