What happens if you eat too much paw paw?

December 5, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the American pawpaw contains a high concentration of annonacin, a compound toxic to nerve cells. So, what happens if you eat too much paw paw, and does this risk apply to all types of pawpaw fruit?

Quick Summary

Excessive consumption of pawpaw, whether the American or tropical variety, can result in digestive upset, allergic reactions, or more severe health risks. The specific dangers vary depending on the type of fruit, ripeness, and the quantity consumed.

Key Points

Differentiate the Fruit: The term 'paw paw' refers to both the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and tropical papaya (Carica papaya), which have distinct risks associated with overconsumption.
American Pawpaw Neurotoxicity: Seeds, skin, and unripe American pawpaw contain neurotoxic acetogenins, which can cause severe side effects. Always eat only the ripe pulp.
Tropical Pawpaw Risks: Excessive papaya intake can lead to digestive issues like diarrhea due to high fiber and the enzyme papain. Unripe papaya contains latex, posing risks for pregnant individuals and those with latex allergies.
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to either fruit, with reactions ranging from mild rashes to more severe symptoms. Caution is advised for those with known sensitivities, especially a latex allergy.
Medication Interference: Tropical papaya can interact with blood-thinning and diabetes medications due to its blood-thinning properties and ability to lower blood sugar.
Moderation is Prudent: Regardless of the type, eating paw paw in moderation is the safest approach to avoid unpleasant side effects like digestive upset or more serious complications.

Differentiating Between American and Tropical Pawpaw

Before exploring the potential health risks of overconsumption, it is crucial to clarify the two different fruits commonly referred to as “pawpaw.” One is the North American pawpaw (Asimina triloba), a temperate fruit known for its creamy, tropical flavor. The other is the tropical pawpaw, more commonly known as papaya (Carica papaya), which grows in warmer climates. While both are nutritious, their chemical compositions and potential side effects differ significantly.

Side Effects of Overindulging in American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)

Overconsumption of the native North American pawpaw is linked to both gastrointestinal and neurological issues, largely due to compounds called acetogenins, which are concentrated in the seeds and skin.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Some individuals, even when eating moderate amounts of the ripe fruit, experience gastrointestinal issues. The concentration of compounds in the fruit can irritate the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Hives and other allergic reactions

Neurological Concerns

More serious are the neurotoxic effects linked to acetogenins, particularly annonacin, found in the seeds, bark, and unripe fruit. Some research suggests that long-term, chronic exposure, especially from consuming large quantities, may lead to atypical parkinsonism.

List of American Pawpaw Precautions

Eat only fully ripe fruit: Unripe American pawpaw contains higher levels of toxic compounds.
Never eat the seeds or skin: These parts have the highest concentration of neurotoxins.
Avoid dried or cooked pawpaw products: Drying or cooking can concentrate the toxins and lead to more severe gastrointestinal issues.
Mind your tolerance: Start with a small amount to see how your body reacts, as sensitivity varies.

Overconsumption of Tropical Pawpaw (Papaya)

Excessive intake of tropical papaya poses a different set of risks, mainly related to its high fiber content, the enzyme papain, and the latex present in unripe fruit.

Digestive Problems

Papaya is an excellent source of fiber, but too much can overwhelm the digestive system. The enzyme papain, an aid in digestion in moderation, can cause adverse effects in excess, including:

Diarrhea
Stomach cramps and bloating
Stomach irritation, especially from the latex in unripe fruit

Allergy and Medication Interactions

Individuals with a latex allergy may also be allergic to the latex in unripe papaya, potentially causing severe allergic reactions. Furthermore, compounds in papaya can interfere with certain medications.

Blood Thinners: Papaya has blood-thinning properties and can increase the risk of bruising or bleeding for those on medications like warfarin.
Diabetes Medication: Fermented papaya has been shown to lower blood sugar, potentially causing hypoglycemia when combined with diabetes medication.

Pregnancy Risk

Unripe or green papaya contains high levels of latex that can stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk to pregnant women.

Comparison Table: American vs. Tropical Pawpaw


Feature	American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba)	Tropical Pawpaw (Carica papaya)
Primary Overconsumption Risk	Neurotoxicity from annonacin in seeds/skin; severe GI distress.	Digestive issues from excess fiber and papain; allergic reactions to latex.
Specific Toxin/Compound	Acetogenins (including annonacin).	Papain, latex, high fiber.
Toxic Parts	Seeds, skin, leaves, unripe fruit.	Unripe fruit (latex).
Severe Health Risk	Potential for atypical parkinsonism with chronic, heavy consumption.	Uterine stimulation (miscarriage risk) in pregnant women from unripe fruit.
Precaution	Eat only fully ripe pulp; avoid seeds and skin.	Eat ripe fruit; avoid unripe fruit during pregnancy.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Whether you are enjoying the unique, custard-like taste of the North American pawpaw or the sweet, juicy flesh of the tropical papaya, moderation is the key to safe consumption. The side effects of eating too much paw paw range from uncomfortable digestive upset to potentially severe neurological issues, depending on the specific fruit and the amount consumed. By understanding the distinct risks associated with each type, particularly the need to avoid the neurotoxic seeds and skin of the American pawpaw, you can safely enjoy this delicious fruit. If you experience any adverse reactions, especially after eating a large quantity, it is best to reduce your intake or consult a healthcare professional. For more information on the specific compounds and risks, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has a useful guide on American pawpaw risks: American pawpaw - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, overconsumption of American pawpaw can cause digestive upset such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea in some individuals, with or without an allergic reaction.

Yes, the seeds, skin, and unripe fruit of the American pawpaw are known to contain annonacin, a neurotoxin. These parts should never be consumed.

Unripe papaya contains a high concentration of latex, which can act as a uterine stimulant and cause contractions. This poses a risk for premature labor or miscarriage.

Yes, consuming excessive amounts of papaya can have a laxative effect due to its high fiber content and the enzyme papain, leading to diarrhea and stomach cramps.

Individuals with a sensitive stomach should exercise caution, as some people experience gastrointestinal distress even from eating moderate amounts of ripe American pawpaw pulp. It is best to start with a small quantity.

The American pawpaw is native to North America and grows on a small tree, while papaya is a tropical fruit grown worldwide. They look and taste different, with papaya resembling a pear with orange flesh and small black seeds, and American pawpaw being bean-shaped with large seeds.

Yes, certain preparations of tropical papaya, such as fermented supplements, have been shown to lower blood sugar levels. Those on diabetes medication should monitor their blood sugar closely.