What substance is in male papaya flowers that is rumored to 'kill cancer cells'?

There is a lot of information online that says male papaya flowers "kill cancer cells". Experts analyze the compounds and proven effects of male papaya flowers.

Currently, on social networks and cancer patient groups, many people are spreading the word that drinking male papaya flower water (carica papaya) can "kill cancer cells" . Male papaya flowers have become a hot commodity, with an average price of 500,000 - 700,000 VND/kg.

Dr. Bui Pham Minh Man, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3 said that up to now, there is no scientific evidence strong enough to confirm that male papaya flowers can cure cancer or destroy cancer cells effectively.

In preclinical studies, several compounds found in the papaya plant, including male papaya flowers , have been shown to inhibit the growth of certain types of cancer cells under laboratory conditions.

"However, these results have not been confirmed in humans, and the use of male papaya flowers as a cancer treatment is still very limited and has not been officially recognized by medical organizations," said Dr. Man.

Male papaya flower (illustrative photo).

Compounds found in papaya tree, papaya flower

Pharmacist Truong Minh Nhut, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, said that papaya contains many bioactive compounds such as papain enzyme, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols. Some studies show that these compounds can have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer effects in vitro.

Among them, papain is an enzyme that is believed to support the immune system. "Research on papain mainly focuses on its ability to digest protein and its anti-inflammatory effects rather than its anti-cancer effects ," said pharmacist Nhut.

Some studies have noted that extracts from papaya leaves, seeds, and roots may have anti-cancer effects on certain cancer cells in test tubes, but there has been no in-depth research on male papaya flowers. Additionally, these studies were mostly conducted in the laboratory or on animals, and the results cannot be directly applied to humans.

Dr. Man said that male papaya flowers contain the enzyme papain, which can aid in digestion and help improve symptoms of indigestion. Some studies have shown that male papaya flowers have anti-inflammatory properties, which may be useful in treating mild inflammatory diseases.

In addition, male papaya flowers contain flavonoids and antioxidants, which help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radicals.

To date, no large-scale clinical studies in humans have confirmed the efficacy and safety of using male papaya flowers in cancer treatment.

"Therefore, the use of male papaya flowers to treat cancer requires caution , and patients should discuss with their doctor or health professional before using any therapy other than standard treatments," said pharmacist Nhut.

Dried male papaya flowers (illustrative photo).

Notes when using male papaya flowers

Doctor Man advises that male papaya flowers can be used in juice, decoction or powder form.

• The usual dosage is 10-15 grams of dried papaya flowers (equivalent to about 30-50 grams of fresh flowers) to make daily drinking water.
• If used in powder form, people can use 5-10 grams mixed with warm water to drink daily.

Pharmacist Nhut said when using male papaya flowers, people need to pay attention to the following issues:

• Drug interactions: Male papaya flowers can interact with some other medications, so people who are being treated for chronic diseases should consult their doctor before using.
• Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to papaya, so caution should be exercised when using it for the first time.
• Do not abuse: Long-term use of male papaya flowers without medical supervision can lead to side effects such as digestive disorders, nausea, and diarrhea.

"Male papaya flowers have some beneficial effects on health, but should not be considered as an alternative therapy for modern cancer treatments. The use of male papaya flowers should be done in a controlled manner and under the advice of a medical professional to ensure safety and effectiveness ," pharmacist Nhut advised.