Published on December 6, 2023
Papaya leaf extract is often used as a local remedy to treat patients with dengue either freshly prepared or a pharmaceutical preparation such as a tablet or a syrup. Read below to learn more about the possible connection between this concoction and the dengue infection.
Dengue and Platelets – The Connection
Dengue, a viral infection that spreads through the bite of the Aedes mosquito, sometimes leads to complications such as bleeding and low blood pressure. Dengue reduces the counts of platelets, which are blood cells that protect against bleeding. The platelet counts may be affected due to reduced production by the bone marrow or destruction while they flow along the blood stream following the infection. Once the critical period of the infection passes, the platelet number tends to recover by itself.
Dengue and Papaya Leaf Extract – The Connection
Some researchers suggest that papaya leaf extract can protect against the platelet decline and therefore prevent bleeding complications following a dengue infection. The chemicals in papaya leaves may stabilize the cell membranes and prevent the destruction of the platelets. They may also increase the production of platelets by the bone marrow.
Safety Concerns of Papaya Leaf Extract
Though there is some evidence that papaya leaf extract may be beneficial in people infected with dengue, it must be noted that it is not currently recommended for dengue treatment by most regulatory agencies. This is due to lack of adequate high-quality research addressing its benefit in increasing platelet numbers, the possibility of harm caused by a product that lacks standardization and often quality control, and the posssible interaction with allopathic medications. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the treating healthcare professional before trying out the extract on self or others.
Reference:
Sarker MMR, Khan F and Mohamed IN (2021) Dengue Fever: Therapeutic Potential of Carica papaya L. Leaves. Front. Pharmacol. 12:610912. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.610912
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