Does Chewing Pawpaw Seeds Clear Intestinal Worms?
A verified handle on X claims that chewing at least 5 seeds of pawpaw twice a month can help clear intestinal worms. The post which was made on March 16, 2025,by a Safo Nyame Herbal Therapeutics asserts that: “Let’s clear intestinal worms by chewing at least 5 pieces of pawpaw seeds twice in a month💚🍀…Their eggs are also not standing a chance🫂.”
As of the time this report was published, the post had reached over 177,000 people. @Lifewayoasis in the comment section said “Chew or swallow? I saw somewhere they said swallow not chew.” while @kennethmagara05 wrote “I swallowed them and it’s working magically”.
VERIFICATION
What Are Intestinal Worms?
Intestinal worms, also known as soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), are parasitic worms that live in the human digestive system and can cause various health problems, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. The infection is spread when eggs are passed in human faeces and contaminate the soil, a problem that is common in poor communities with inadequate sanitation. The eggs can be ingested when contaminated soil is found on unwashed vegetables, water sources or unwashed hands.
Chewing papaya (pawpaw) seeds may help clear intestinal worms due to their antiparasitic properties. Papaya seeds contain carpaine, an alkaloid that has been shown to have anthelmintic (worm-killing) effects, particularly against intestinal parasites like roundworms and tapeworms.
Evidence and Studies
A 2007 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that papaya seed extract was effective in treating intestinal parasites in Nigerian children. The study showed significant parasite clearance after consuming dried papaya seed preparations. A recent study published in 2022 found that benzyl isothiocyanate, another compound in papaya seeds, has strong antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects.
Experts Lend Their Voices
Responding to the claim, Dr. Okon Etimbuk, a lecturer with the Botany department from the University of Calabar explained that “while pawpaw seeds have been traditionally accepted as a remedy for intestinal worms, the evidence supporting this claim is mostly anecdotal.” Stressing that although pawpaw seed contains papain and proteolytic enzymes that may have an anti-parasitic effect, they should not be a substitute for medically proven treatments.
Dr. Abdullaziz Ibrahim from the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe also noted that “intestinal worms require proper medical diagnosis and treatment with prescribed medication.” Adding that “using pawpaw seeds alone could lead to inadequate treatment and potential complications.”
CONCLUSION
The claim that pawpaw seeds can be used to clear intestinal worms lacks SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE as more extensive research is still being carried out on the claim and experts recommend seeking for proper medical diagnosis and treatment.
