Immunity: How Fermented Papaya Could Strengthen Your Bodys Natural Defences

Papaya is a tangy, sweet-tasting tropical fruit with bright orange flesh. It is not only a delicious treat for your taste buds but is also beneficial in terms of promoting good health. It contains papain enzymes that promote efficient digestion, and is also a rich source of vitamins A and C and potassium.

Eminent researcher, professor Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of the HIV virus and President of the World Foundation for AIDS Research & Prevention, has taken a particular interest in the medicinal properties of papaya. Like other scientists worldwide, Montagniers research has mainly focused on fermented papaya known as FPP (fermented papaya preparation) rather than fresh papaya fruit. 

According to Dr Montagnier, FPP has outstanding properties for fighting oxidative stress and stimulation of the immune system. 

Now an FPP supplement called Immunge has been developed by Japanese scientists. HSI is delighted to announce that Immunge has recently been launched in the UK and its immune-boosting properties are backed by more than 30 studies.

How does fermented papaya maintain good health?
FPP, the main ingredient in Immunge , is produced by the fermentation of green papaya the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins by yeast under special conditions over an eight-month period. Once fermented, the papaya is dried and ground into a fine powder.

Nutritional analysis reveals that FPP contains beneficial amino acids and small sugar molecules called oligosaccharides, which have the ability to regulate and enhance your bodys antioxidant capacities in two ways.

First, they directly destroy dangerous free radicals in the body, such as hydroxyl (the most dangerous among free radicals); and second, they enhance the activity of the bodys own antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase.1-3

Free radicals are highly reactive molecules that wreak havoc on your cells. They are produced during many of your bodys normal metabolic processes. However, you are also continually bombarded by free radicals from external sources, such as exposure to traffic pollution, cigarette smoke and radiation, and from the intake of food pesticides, fried and processed foods, and alcohol. When too many free radicals invade your system your cells become susceptible to damage.

For example, excess free radicals are believed to be one of the main causes of the ageing process and a causative factor in many degenerative conditions including cataracts, wrinkles, age spots, arthritis and cancer. Because FPP helps neutralise free radicals, Immunge offers great potential as a protective agent.

Helps ward off illness by strengthening your bodys natural defences
Besides its anti-ageing effects, FPP has powerful immune-enhancing properties, as mentioned earlier. In particular, it helps boost your bodys first line of protection against infection by improving the efficiency of white blood cells known as macrophages that kill disease-causing microbes.4 Consequently, FPP is beneficial in protecting against and warding off colds, influenza and other infections. 

In addition, FPP increases the production of a chemical called interleukin that is secreted by macrophages. Interleukin plays an important role in wound healing and prevents the spread of infection.5

Research also shows that FPP enhances the activity of other white blood cells known as Natural Killer cells. Natural Killer cells contain granules with enzymes that can kill tumour cells and microbes.6

Powerful immune-boosting properties offer hope in the fight against AIDS
Because of its effects on the immune system, Dr Montagnier recommends using FPP in combination with conventional AIDS therapy in the management of AIDS.

In one study involving HIV patients, FPP increased the numbers of CD4 white blood cells, helped with weight gain and increased haemoglobin (a substance contained within red blood cells that is responsible for oxygenating the body) levels.

CD4 cells are an important part of the immune system and people with AIDS often have a reduced number as HIV causes them to decrease making sufferers susceptible to opportunistic infections.

What to take for best results
Due to its dual action as both an anti-ageing product and as an immune enhancer Immunge can be taken as a general nutritional supplement or to help strengthen the body at times of ill-health. 

The recommended dosage for Immunge varies according to individual needs. As an anti-ageing product, one sachet daily is recommended either first thing in the morning or before going to bed at night. The powder should be dissolved under the tongue before swallowing and must be taken on an empty stomach.

As a bolster for the immune system the suggested dose is two to three sachets a day for up to three days, then one sachet daily until health is restored. And in the treatment of degenerative conditions such as arthritis, two to three sachets a day is recommended.  
In most cases the beneficial effects, which build up over several weeks, are noticeable within one to three months. 

Contraindications: Studies show Immunge to be safe and free of side-effects. It can even be taken during pregnancy, under a doctors supervision, at one sachet a day for up to four months in duration.

Those who are sensitive to fermented foods such as wine and bread or who have candidiasis may not be able to tolerate Immunge as the product contains yeast. In such cases it should be taken with care or avoided.

1. Santiago LA, Osato JA, Hiramatsu M, et al. Free radical scavenging action of FPP and its by-product. Free Radic Bio Med 1991;11(4):379-383.
2. Osata JA, Santiago LA, Mori A, et al. Antioxidant defences of Immunge. Magn Reson Med 1995;6:306-308.
3. Osata JA, Santiago LA, Mori A, Protective action of Immunge against oxidative stress and brain disorders. In: Oxidative Stress & Aging, Cutler RG, Packer L, Bertram J, Mori A, eds. Birkhauser Verlag 1995;6:306-308.
4. Osato JA, Afanasev I, Korkina L, et al. Free radical regulatory and immunomodulatory effects of FPP. Lipids, Health and Disease. Ong ASH, Niki E, Packer L, eds.1995;4:45-58.
5. Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Preacher KJ, MacCallum RC. Chronic stress and age related increases in the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003;100(15):9090-5.  
6. Aspinall R. Age-related changes in the function of T cells. Microsc Res Tech 2003;62(6):508-13.