Papaya (Carica papaya) fruit contains the proteolytic enzymes papain and chymopapain before ripening, but they are not present in the ripe fruit. Cooked, unripe papaya fruit has been used orally in India, Melanesia and Angola, and papaya leaves have been used in Indonesia as galactogogues, possibly by increasing prolactin.[1-6] No scientifically valid clinical trials support the use of papaya fruit or leaves as a galactogogue. Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[7,8] No data exist on the excretion of any components of papaya into breastmilk or on the safety and efficacy of papaya in nursing mothers or infants. Papaya fruit is "generally recognized as safe" (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Papaya also contains carotenoids and can improve beta-carotene and vitamin A status in nursing mothers.[9] Allergic reactions to papaya, such as asthma and skin rashes are not uncommon and cross-reactions with other substances such as latex and kiwi have occurred. Those with allergies to papaya or cross reacting substances should avoid papaya.