Immunity and papaya: the science behind their nutrients

Today we will focus on fermented papaya and its benefits in the field of immunity. Although it is a well-proven topic, little is said about the effectiveness of this preparation that has even aroused the positive opinion of a Nobel Prize winner.

In this article we will take a tour from the bases of this interesting plant. From there we will relate the beneficial effects, both immunological and other systemic, of this fermented product, whose name is Immun’Âge, and which has so many followers.

The interesting option: carica papaya

Papaya (Carica papaya) is a nutrient-rich fruit with a long history of use in traditional medicine. In recent years, fermented papaya has captured the attention of the scientific community. This is due to its additional health benefits derived from the fermentation process. This process not only increases its bioavailability, but also enhances its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

Focusing specifically on fruit, it contains a broad spectrum of phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, proteins, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and phytosterols. These bioactive components are responsible for the pharmacological properties of the plant. It is an excellent aid for digestion as it hydrolyzes gluten, an important aspect for patients with dyspepsia and celiac disease. Papaya acts as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and has hepatoprotective, immunological and therapeutic properties. In addition, the seed and pulp of papaya have bacteriostatic effects against several enteropathogens, such as Bacillus subtilus and Escherichia coli.

If we investigate a little further, we will find that four types of cysteine proteases are present in papaya: papain, chymopapain A and B, glycyl endopeptidase III and IV and caricaine. These enzymes make up 69-89% of its total protein content and have a wide application in medicine and the food industry . Las proteasas extraídas de la papaya presentan una amplia especificidad y termoestabilidad, por lo que tienen importancia medicinal especially in:

• gastroenterology
• wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Tumor
• anthelmintics
• neurosurgery
• ophthalmology
• urology
• phlebology.

DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2008.05.016

Effects on the immune system

Macrophage-inducible nitric oxide synthase is an enzyme capable of generating massive amounts of nitric oxide (NO) that contributes to the host’s immune defense against viruses and bacteria. Macrophages stimulated by bacterial wall lipopolysaccharides and cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ) express the inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iONS). In addition, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is one of the central regulatory cytokines in the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and acts in synergy with IFN-γ in the induction of NO synthesis. Due to its fundamental role in the antimicrobial and tumoricidal activities of macrophages, significant effort has been focused on the development of therapeutic agents that regulate the production of NO.

The fermented papaya (FPP) preparation exerts immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity on the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line. Interestingly, a fraction of low and high molecular weight (LMF and HMF, respectively) of FPP exhibited different patterns of activity. The FPP fractions alone did not affect the production of NO. However, in the presence of IFN-γ, both LMF and HMF significantly increased iONS activity and nitrite and nitrate accumulation. The formation of NO radicals measured in real time by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was higher in the presence of LMF and IFN-γ. In contrast, iONS mRNA levels increased more with HMF than with LMF. In addition, LMF showed stronger superoxide anion removal activity than HMF. In the presence of IFN-γ, both FPP fractions stimulated TNF-α secretion. However, in unstimulated macrophages, TNF-α secretion was enhanced by HMF alone. Since the water-soluble FPP fractions did not contain lipid A, current data indicate that FPP is a macrophage activator that increases nitric oxide synthesis and TNF-α secretion independently of lipopolysaccharides. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0024-3205(00)00664-0

Antioxidant potential

As we already know, free radicals are generated in the human body and possibly their production rate increases in most diseases. A synthetic amino-tricarboxylic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), produces water-soluble compounds in combination with iron. However, this complex is nephrotoxic and causes damage to the renal proximal tubule associated with oxidative damage that ultimately leads to a high prevalence of renal cell carcinoma. Fe–NTA in conjunction with H2O2 in vitro leads to increased oxidative damage to DNA in vivo. Fermented papaya (FPP) preparation defends supercoiled plasmid DNA against Fe–NTA and H2O2-induced single and double strand breaks. Fe–NTA induces dose-dependent fragmentation of bovine serum albumin in vitro and decreases cellular levels of GSH in lymphocytes. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping studies were performed, indicating that the antioxidant actives of FPP are associated with both hydroxyl removal and iron chelation prospects. DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(99)00442-7

Papaya and diabetes

Diabetes, being a chronic pathology, causes oxidative stress in patients. This carries a great risk of developing neuropathic disorders, retinopathy, cardiovascular risks, among others. The oxidation of glucose produces oxidative stress that increases considerably in diabetics. Other problems involved are cellular redox imbalances and attenuation of antioxidant defense. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that PPF supplementation has the ability to produce a considerable decrease in plasma sugar levels in healthy people, as well as in patients with type II diabetes, along with an improvement in the lipid profile. Many efficacy studies demonstrated that administration of FPP to diabetic mice can show a high profusion of not only CD68 but also CD31 at the wound site, which may propose efficient monocyte recruitment as well as a superior proangiogenic response. It can also be visualized that FPP can alter the genes that control the action and role of these proteins. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0009539

Improved energy production

One study measured the effectiveness of oral administration of PPF, 9 grams/day, for 6 weeks to patients with type 2 diabetes with respect to its effect on the hyperglycaemia status of these patients. Peripheral blood was collected during an initial visit, followed by subsequent collections both during and after supplementation. The production of benign reactive oxygen species that produced a dramatic increase in the famous “respiratory burst” was measured at each visit, in addition to fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and lipid/protein peroxidation.

Oral supplementation with PPF induced an impressive “respiratory burst”. In other words, itis a rapid increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the phagocytosis of microbes, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells without influencing other blood parameters studied. When human monocytic THP-1 cells were supplemented with PPF, cellular concentrations of ATP and NADPH increased, while combined glucose alone produced no similar effects. This suggests that a glucose-independent component of FPP is responsible for the increase in cellular energy.

THP-1 cells supplemented with FPP also showed higher mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and oxygen consumption compared to cells treated with glucose alone. Taken together, these observations lead to the hypothesis that PPF corrects for inducible “respiratory burst” function in patients with type 2 diabetes. https://doi.org/10.1089/ars.2014.6138

The role of Japan’s Osato laboratory

Osato Laboratory Inc., based in Gifu, Japan, is the entity behind the development of the fermented papaya extract named Immun’Âge used in many clinical studies. The company uses a proprietary fermentation process of several months, which involves the action of specific probiotic bacteria on the ripe fruit. This prolonged method ensures a higher concentration of bioactive compounds that effectively boost the immune system.

Thislaboratory has been at the forefront of this research. It has shown that its fermented papaya extract stimulates DNA repair mechanisms, a critical process in preserving cellular integrity over time. Depending on the laboratory’s own specifications, 1 to 3 sublingual sachets should be taken each day for 2 to 3 months. The contents of the sachet should be diluted with one’s own saliva under the tongue.

Dr. Luc Montagnier’s endorsement

Dr. Luc Montagnier, a French virologist and Nobel laureate for his work in identifying HIV, is one of the leading proponents of fermented papaya. Montagnier has recommended this fermetated papaya supplement from the Osato Laboratory, known as Immun’Âge. Inseveral studies and publications, highlighting its ability to strengthen the immune system and combat cellular aging through the reduction of oxidative damage.

Montagnier has stated in various conferences that this extract can be a valuable supplement for immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic diseases. In his research, Montagnier emphasizes the role of this extract in neutralizing free radicals at the mitochondrial level, thus helping to prevent cellular dysfunction that leads to diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and other age-related diseases.

Conclusion

Immun’Âge fermented papaya extract is a scientifically backed supplement capable of improving immunity, increasing energy, promoting longevity and acting as a powerful antioxidant. Studies conducted in both humans and animals have shown promising results in the prevention and management of diseases related to chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The innovative work of Osato Laboratory Inc. in Japan has been instrumental in ensuring the quality and efficacy of fermented papaya extract used in clinical trials. Finally, Dr. Luc Montagnier’s endorsement reinforces the credibility of this supplement in the field of preventive health.