Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Paw paw (Carica papaya) has a long history of traditional use in various cultures for promoting oral health, including the treatment of canker sores (aphthous ulcers). Traditionally, both the fruit and the leaves have been applied topically or chewed to accelerate the healing of mouth sores. This practice is based on the belief that paw paw possesses anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties—attributes largely attributed to the presence of the enzyme papain, as well as other phytochemicals in the plant.

Scientific evidence specifically supporting paw paw's effectiveness for canker sores is limited. Some in vitro studies suggest that papain has proteolytic and mild antimicrobial activities, and it has been used in some commercial oral gels for its purported wound-healing and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there are few high-quality clinical trials directly examining the efficacy of paw paw or papain for treating canker sores. Most of the support comes from ethnobotanical records and anecdotal reports, rather than rigorous scientific validation.

In summary, the use of paw paw for canker sores is primarily justified by traditional use, with only limited scientific rationale and minimal clinical evidence. Its role in modern oral health care for this specific condition remains supplemental and unproven by high-level scientific research.

More about paw paw
More about Canker Sores

Other ingredients used for Canker Sores

Other health conditions supported by paw paw

Products containing paw paw

Nature's Sunshine Para-Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine Paw Paw