Deworming is a crucial part of maintaining gut health, especially in regions where parasitic infections are common.While pharmaceutical options like albendazole and mebendazole are widely available, many people turn to natural remedies like ripe pawpaw (papaya) seeds. But does it really work? What does science say? And how exactly is it done? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about using ripe pawpaw seeds for deworming — from traditional practices to research findings.
What Are Pawpaw (Papaya) Seeds?
Pawpaw, also known as papaya (Carica papaya), is a tropical fruit known for its sweet orange flesh. Inside the fruit are small, black seeds with a peppery, slightly bitter taste. While often discarded, these seeds have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, including parasitic infections.
Traditional Uses of Pawpaw Seeds for Deworming
In many parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and South America, pawpaw seeds are traditionally chewed raw or ground into a powder and consumed to expel intestinal worms. This remedy has been passed down for generations and is especially popular in rural communities with limited access to modern medicine.
Some traditional practices include:
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Chewing 5–10 fresh seeds daily on an empty stomach for a week.
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Drying the seeds, grinding them into powder, and mixing with honey or water.
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Combining ground pawpaw seeds with other natural antiparasitics like bitter leaf, neem, or garlic.
The Science Behind Pawpaw Seeds as a Dewormer
Several studies have explored the antiparasitic potential of pawpaw seeds, with promising results.
Active Compounds:
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Carpaine – An alkaloid that exhibits antiparasitic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC) – Known for its ability to disrupt the metabolism of parasites and inhibit their survival.
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Papain – A digestive enzyme that can help break down parasite proteins and aid in expelling them.
Key Research Findings:
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A 2007 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food tested pawpaw seed extract on Nigerian schoolchildren infected with intestinal parasites. Results showed a 71.4% parasitic clearance rate in those who took dried pawpaw seeds compared to 0% in the placebo group. (Okeniyi et al., 2007)
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Animal studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of papaya seed extract against various intestinal worms in rats and goats.
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Another study in 2013 examined the antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties of pawpaw seeds, finding them effective against E. coli, Salmonella, and intestinal worms.
While these studies are small-scale, they suggest that pawpaw seeds have genuine antiparasitic properties worth exploring further.
How to Use Pawpaw Seeds for Deworming
Important: Natural remedies should be used cautiously, and it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before starting any herbal treatment.
Method 1: Chewing Raw Seeds
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Scoop out seeds from a ripe pawpaw.
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Rinse them under running water.
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Chew 5–10 seeds on an empty stomach daily for 7 consecutive days.
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Wash down with a glass of water.
Note: The seeds have a strong, peppery taste — some people swallow them whole.
Method 2: Pawpaw Seed Powder
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Collect and rinse the seeds.
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Dry them under the sun or in a dehydrator.
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Grind into a fine powder.
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Take 1 teaspoon daily mixed with honey or warm water for 7–10 days.
Method 3: Combined Herbal Remedy
Mix ground pawpaw seeds with other known natural antiparasitics:
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1 tsp ground pawpaw seed
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1 tsp ground neem leaf
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1 tsp honey
Consume daily for a week.
Dosage Recommendations
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Adults: 5–10 seeds daily
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Children (5–12 years): 2–5 seeds daily
Note: Avoid giving to children under 5 years, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with certain health conditions without medical supervision.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While generally safe in moderate amounts, excessive consumption can lead to:
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Stomach upset
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Reduced fertility (in animal studies, high doses of pawpaw seed extract affected sperm production)
Avoid long-term use without breaks, and never exceed recommended doses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can pawpaw seeds replace pharmaceutical dewormers?
A: No. While they have demonstrated antiparasitic properties, they should be seen as a complementary or traditional remedy, not a substitute for medically prescribed anthelmintics, especially in severe infections.
Q: How long does it take for pawpaw seeds to work?
A: Traditional practices recommend taking them for 7 consecutive days, after which you may notice reduced symptoms. However, effectiveness may vary by individual and parasite load.
Q: Are there any people who should avoid it?
A: Yes. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, young children, and people with known allergies to pawpaw should avoid using pawpaw seeds for deworming without medical advice.
Final Thoughts
Using ripe pawpaw seeds for deworming is a time-honored traditional remedy backed by emerging scientific evidence. Thanks to compounds like carpaine and benzyl isothiocyanate, these peppery seeds hold promise as a natural antiparasitic option.
However, while research findings are promising, large-scale human trials are still limited. For now, pawpaw seeds can serve as a helpful traditional remedy for mild cases but should never replace professional medical treatment in serious infections.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any herbal remedy.
