A Russian study has found papaya (Carica papaya) can heal wounds and burns, lending credence to what people in Asia and Africa, where the fruit is commonly grown, have long known.
A team of scientists led by molecular biologist E V Mikhalchik of Russian State Medical University found a gel made of papaya fruit can halt the action of enzymes excreted by pathogens in a wound caused either by a cut or burn.
Their studies on rats showed the fruit enhances by as much as 500 times the bacteria-killing ability of phagocyte cells--such as the white blood cells. This has a sterilising effect on the wound and helps it heal faster.
The impact of the papaya gel on beneficial bacteria--which secrete enzymes that accelerate wound-healing--was found to be positive because it stimulated their growth.