What happens if you eat pawpaw seeds? Safety, Toxicity, and Nutrition Facts

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

While many assume all pawpaws are the same fruit, there are actually two distinct types: the common tropical papaya (Carica papaya) and the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba). For this reason, understanding what happens if you eat pawpaw seeds requires distinguishing between the two, as their effects are drastically different.

Quick Summary

Pawpaw seeds have vastly different effects depending on the fruit. While tropical papaya seeds offer some nutritional benefits when consumed in moderation, North American pawpaw seeds are toxic and should be avoided entirely.

Key Points

Identify the Fruit First: The safety of eating pawpaw seeds depends on the specific plant—tropical papaya (Carica papaya) seeds are distinct from North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) seeds.
Papaya Seeds are Edible in Moderation: The seeds of the tropical papaya contain fiber, digestive enzymes, and antioxidants, offering potential benefits when consumed sparingly.
North American Pawpaw Seeds are Toxic: The seeds of the North American pawpaw contain neurotoxins (acetogenins) and should never be eaten.
Overconsumption of Papaya Seeds Causes Side Effects: Eating too many papaya seeds can lead to digestive issues like cramps and diarrhea.
Caution for Certain Groups: Pregnant women and individuals trying to conceive should avoid papaya seeds due to potential risks, and those on medication should consult a doctor.
Immediate Medical Attention for Toxic Seeds: Ingestion of North American pawpaw seeds requires immediate medical assistance due to severe poisoning risk.

Pawpaw Seeds: The Critical Papaya vs. North American Distinction

The term "pawpaw" can be a source of significant confusion, as it refers to two completely different plants. The first is the tropical fruit Carica papaya, a sweet, musky fruit with small, black, edible seeds that is widely consumed worldwide. The second is the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba), a temperate fruit with large, hard seeds that contain toxic compounds. It is critical to know which fruit you are dealing with before considering eating the seeds, as the outcomes range from digestive upset to potentially dangerous poisoning.

What Happens When You Eat Carica Papaya (Papaya) Seeds?

For the common tropical papaya, the seeds are generally considered edible in small, controlled quantities and have a pungent, peppery flavor. They are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants, and contain digestive enzymes like papain. However, it is vital to consume them in moderation due to potential side effects from overconsumption.

Potential Benefits (in Moderation):

Digestive Support: The high fiber content aids digestion, promotes regularity, and can help prevent constipation. Papain also assists in breaking down proteins.
Antioxidant Effects: Papaya seeds are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
Anti-parasitic Properties: Some studies and traditional uses suggest the presence of compounds, including the alkaloid carpaine, that may help expel intestinal parasites and fight harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
Liver and Kidney Health: Preliminary research indicates that compounds in the seeds may protect the liver and kidneys by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

Potential Side Effects of Overconsumption:

Digestive Upset: Eating too many papaya seeds can lead to stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhea, and nausea due to their high fiber and enzyme content.
Potential Toxicity: In very high doses, a compound called benzyl isothiocyanate may be toxic to humans and lead to more serious health concerns.
Antifertility Effects: Some animal studies suggest that high dosages of papaya seed extract can reduce sperm count and motility, potentially causing temporary infertility. This effect has primarily been shown in animal models, but caution is advised for individuals trying to conceive.
Pregnancy Risks: Pregnant women are advised to avoid papaya seeds as certain compounds could potentially cause uterine contractions, leading to complications.

What Happens When You Eat North American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Seeds?

The seeds of the North American pawpaw are a completely different story. They are not edible and are considered toxic. The seeds contain a type of compound called acetogenins, including annonacin, which is toxic to cortical neurons.

Acute and Long-Term Risks of Asimina triloba Seeds:

Gastrointestinal Distress: Immediate symptoms of ingestion can include severe gastrointestinal distress, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Neurotoxicity: The acetogenins found in the seeds and other parts of the plant are known neurotoxins. Ingestion is associated with severe risks to the nervous system. There is even a noted link between the consumption of custard apple relatives and atypical parkinsonism in certain populations, prompting similar concerns for pawpaw.
Avoidance is Key: Due to these serious risks, the seeds of the North American pawpaw should never be ingested. If ingestion occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately.

Comparative Analysis of Seed Effects


Feature	Tropical Papaya (Carica papaya) Seeds	North American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Seeds
Edibility	Edible in small, controlled amounts.	Toxic. Should not be consumed.
Toxicity	Potential for toxicity and side effects with overconsumption due to benzyl isothiocyanate.	Contains neurotoxins called acetogenins; high risk of poisoning.
Taste	Pungent, peppery, and slightly bitter.	Overwhelmingly bitter; typically not ingested intentionally.
Potential Effects	Mild benefits in moderation (digestion, antioxidants). Digestive upset if overconsumed.	Immediate gastrointestinal distress. Long-term neurotoxic effects.
Special Considerations	Avoid if pregnant, trying to conceive, or on certain medications.	All parts of the plant, including seeds, can cause allergic reactions.

Conclusion

In summary, whether eating pawpaw seeds is safe depends entirely on which type of pawpaw you are referring to. The black, edible seeds of the tropical Carica papaya can offer some nutritional benefits when consumed in small, infrequent quantities, primarily due to their fiber and antioxidant content. However, overindulgence can lead to unpleasant digestive side effects, and pregnant individuals or those with certain medical conditions should be especially cautious. Conversely, the seeds of the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) are unequivocally toxic due to neurotoxin content and should never be consumed. The key takeaway is to always identify the fruit correctly before considering seed consumption. For the common papaya, moderation is key, while for the North American pawpaw, complete avoidance of the seeds is the only safe option.

Scientific analysis reveals potential benefits and risks of papaya seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, this is a dangerous misconception. Only the seeds of the tropical fruit Carica papaya are considered safe to eat in very small quantities. The seeds of the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) are toxic and should never be ingested.

In small amounts, tropical papaya seeds can offer benefits such as improved digestion due to their fiber and papain content, antioxidant properties from flavonoids and polyphenols, and potential anti-parasitic effects.

North American pawpaw seeds contain neurotoxins called acetogenins, which can damage nerve cells. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and, in higher doses or with repeated exposure, potential neurological damage.

Overconsumption of tropical papaya seeds can cause digestive upset, including stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea, due to their high enzyme and fiber content.

No, pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding should avoid papaya seeds. Some compounds in the seeds may potentially cause uterine contractions and other complications.

Tropical papaya typically has reddish or orange flesh and small black seeds, and is oval-shaped. North American pawpaw has yellow flesh, is generally rounder, and has large, hard seeds. It is always best to be certain of the species before consuming.

While some folk remedies exist, there is no scientific evidence to support using papaya seeds for contraception in humans, and some animal studies show it may cause temporary infertility. It is not a reliable method and should not be used for birth control.