Previously on this list someone mentioned that papaya consumption would kill unwanted gut bacteria. I decided to do a search and found the following interesting properties. Contraceptive (Fruit): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=12288101 Contraceptive (Seeds): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=10563690 Increased risk to pregnancy (unripe papaya only): http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=12144723 Reduced rich of gall bladder cancer: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=12195163 Might lower blood pressure: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=10861964 Treat burns: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=10563690 Papaya latex (can come from unripe fruit) aids fluconazole inhibition of Candida albicans growth: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=9470408 Papaya latex or D(+)-Glucosamine inhibit Candida albicans growth: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=8767002 Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of unripe papaya: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Ab stract&list_uids=8412504 My conclusion is that most of the interesting properties of papaya are in its unripe form. The exception is the vitamin/antioxidant properties. -Tad
