Use of Papaya in Treating Diabetic Ulcers

Diabetic ulcers usually occur on the feet or legs and are the most common foot injuries that lead to amputation, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). If you have a diabetic ulcer, visit a doctor as soon as possible and begin standard pharmaceutical treatment. Moreover, papaya has been found to help in the wound healing of ulcers and may be a valuable adjunctive tool in treating this condition.

Papaya and Its Enzymes

• Papaya contains unique enzymes that are structurally similar to the human enzymes that are involved in digestion and wound healing. The fruit has a long history of use in its native tropical countries as a topical wound-healing agent as well as a digestive aid. A study published in the Autumn 1981 issue of the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" tested the latex, a milky white substance, of the unripened papaya on rats with gastric ulcers. The study found that the papaya latex was able to reduce acid secretion and protect the ulcer from further harm. The researchers attributed this effect to an enzyme called papain.

  Another study, published in the December 2001 issue of the "Pakistan Postgraduate Medical Journal," studied the effects of fresh papaya on the diabetic ulcers of 45 patients. The researchers applied the mashed fruit to the ulcers of half of the group and a saline solution to the other half. The study found that the group that was treated with the mashed papaya fruit showed quicker wound healing than the group treated with saline.

Considerations

• Papaya can be purchased at most grocery stores and produce markets and should be applied fresh. If you are using a pharmaceutical topical ointment for your ulcers, do not discontinue using it. Diabetic ulcers can quickly progress into necrotic conditions and cause permanent damage or even the loss of a limb.