Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
06:05
Enema of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Patients with Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Published on: January 27, 2023
Papaya preparation (Caricol®) in digestive disorders
Claus Muss1, Wilhelm Mosgoeller, Thomas Endler
1Research Center of the International Scientific Group of Preventive medicine, I-GAP, Vienna, Austria. raszka@pcp.lf3.cuni.cz
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|March 26, 2013
Summary
A papaya preparation (Caricol®) significantly improved constipation and bloating in individuals with chronic digestive issues. This natural remedy supports digestive tract physiology and ameliorates symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Human Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is traditionally used for digestive ailments.
- Limited clinical evidence exists for papaya's physiological effects and efficacy in humans.
- Previous observations suggested benefits for constipation, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical effects of the papaya preparation Caricol®.
- To evaluate efficacy in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study design.
- To assess the impact on chronic indigestion and gastrointestinal dysfunctions.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving volunteers with chronic digestive issues.
- Participants consumed 20 ml of Caricol® or placebo daily for 40 days.
- Symptom frequency (22 symptoms) was recorded via questionnaire before and after intake.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvements in "constipation" and "bloating" were observed in the Caricol® group.
- No significant benefits were noted after the washout phase, indicating a direct effect of the preparation.
- Heartburn symptom improvement was not statistically significant due to a small sample size (N=13).
Conclusions:
- The papaya preparation Caricol® supports digestive tract physiology.
- It effectively ameliorates functional gastrointestinal disturbances, including symptoms of IBS.
- The study discusses the potential mechanisms behind Caricol®'s digestive support.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:57Carbohydrate Digestion
Carbohydrate digestion and metabolism break down simple and complex carbohydrates from food into saccharides (i.e., sugars) for the body to use as energy. Carbohydrate digestion starts in the mouth during mastication, or chewing. The masticated carbohydrates remain intact in the stomach. Digestion resumes in the duodenum of the small intestine, where pancreatic alpha-amylase and brush border enzymes of the microvilli convert complex carbohydrates to monosaccharides. Finally, the monosaccharides...
01:30Other Disorders of Digestive System
The gastrointestinal tract is susceptible to various disorders. If the lower esophageal sphincter is damaged, stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation of the lining. This condition is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (known as heartburn) and may cause chest pain and difficulty swallowing. In the stomach, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, chronic alcohol consumption, bacterial infections such as Helicobacter...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:17Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
01:20Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine
The large intestine is where the final stages of digestion happen. When the cecum receives chyme, it contains undigested carbohydrates that undergo fermentation. Gut bacteria ferment these carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide some energy and help synthesize essential vitamins.
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...
01:20Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders
Gastrointestinal or GI motility disorders are characterized by irregular gastrointestinal tract movements, disrupting food transit from the mouth to the anus. They are caused by damage or dysfunction in gut muscles or nerves. These disorders can cause symptoms such as severe constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and swallowing difficulties. Disorders can affect any segment of the GI tract and range widely in severity, from common conditions like GERD to life-threatening conditions like...