What are the benefits of papaya leaves?

Papaya leaves contain unique plant compounds that have demonstrated extensive pharmacological potential in animal and test-tube studies. Although there haven't been a lot of human studies, many preparations from papaya leaves, such as teas, extracts, tablets, and juices, are commonly used to treat diseases and promote health in a variety of ways. many ways. The following article will clarify more about the effects of papaya leaves.

Carica papaya is also known as papaya or pawpaw and is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and the northern regions of South America. Today, papaya is one of the most widely grown crops in the world. Its fruit, seeds and leaves are commonly used in a variety of culinary and folk medicine. Although there haven't been many human studies, many papaya leaf preparations commonly used to treat ailments and promote health have been around for many years.

2.1. Can Treat Dengue-related Symptoms One of the most prominent medicinal benefits contained in papaya leaves is its ability to treat some of the symptoms associated with dengue. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus that can be transmitted to humans and cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and a rash on the upper body. your skin. Severe cases also cause a decrease in the amount of platelets in the blood. Low platelet levels can increase the risk of bleeding and potentially cause death if left untreated.
Although there is currently no cure for dengue, there are several treatments to control the symptoms of the disease - one of which is the use of papaya leaves. Three studies that were conducted on hundreds of people with dengue fever showed that papaya leaf extract significantly increased the blood platelet levels of these patients.
Furthermore, papaya leaf therapy has very few side effects involved and is said to be much more cost-effective than conventional treatments.
2.2. Maintains blood sugar at a reasonable level Papaya leaves are often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural remedy to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes and improve control. blood sugar.
Studies in diabetic rats have also found papaya leaf extract to have strong antioxidant and blood sugar lowering effects. This is thought to be because papaya leaves have the ability to protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage and premature death.
However, there is no scientific evidence to indicate that the same or similar effects can occur in humans. More research is needed to determine if papaya leaves can be used to help control high blood sugar in humans.

2.3. May assist with digestive function Papaya leaf tea and extract is often used as an alternative therapy to ease uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, and heartburn. Papaya leaves are packed with fiber – a nutrient that supports healthy digestive function – and a unique compound called papain. Papain is well known for its ability to break down large proteins into smaller and easier to digest proteins and amino acids. It is even used as a meat tenderizer in culinary practice. One study found that taking a papain powder supplement derived from papaya fruit helped reduce negative digestive symptoms, including constipation and heartburn, in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS ).
There are no scientific studies specifically evaluating papaya leaves' ability to treat similar types of digestive disorders. Most of the evidence supporting its use for this purpose is usually limited to reports based on people's experiences and there is no guarantee that it will improve your digestive function in the long run. any way.
2.4. May Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects Various papaya leaf preparations are commonly used to treat a wide range of internal and external inflammatory conditions, including skin rashes, joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis and muscle aches. Papaya leaves contain many nutrients and plant compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as papain, flavonoids, and vitamin E. One study found that papaya leaf extract significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the feet of rats with arthritis. However, no human studies have confirmed this result.
Thus, up to the present time, the scientific evidence is still not enough to determine whether papaya leaves can treat acute or chronic inflammation in humans.

2.5. Papaya leaves support hair and scalp health Topical applications of masks and papaya leaf juice are often used for improving hair growth and scalp health, but evidence is Its effectiveness for these purposes is limited. Some studies also show that high levels of oxidative stress in the body can contribute to hair loss. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help you reduce oxidative stress and subsequently improve hair growth. Papaya leaves contain several compounds with antioxidant properties such as flavonoids and vitamin E.
Proponents of using papaya leaves to improve hair growth often claim that it is rich in nutrients. Antioxidant. However, there is no substantial evidence that applying papaya leaves can be beneficial for hair growth. Some types of dandruff are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia, which can interfere with your hair growth. Papaya leaf has demonstrated anti-fungal properties in test-tube studies, so it is often said to support hair and scalp health by inhibiting the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff.
However, papaya leaves have not been tested specifically against Malassezia, so there is no guarantee that it will have any beneficial effects.
2.6. Papaya leaves for healthy skin Papaya leaves are taken orally or applied topically as a way to help you maintain a soft, clear, and youthful skin. A proteolytic enzyme in papaya leaves called papain can be used topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and potentially reduce the appearance of clogged pores. clogging, ingrown hairs and acne. Furthermore, enzymes in papaya leaves have been used to promote wound healing, and one study found that they minimized the appearance of callus in rabbits.

2.7. Papaya leaves may have anti-cancer properties Papaya leaves have been used in traditional medicine practices to help prevent and treat certain types of cancer, but modern studies are lacking.
Papaya leaf extract has been shown to strongly inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in test-tube studies, but both animal and human experiments Do not repeat this result. Although the consumption of papaya leaves and other antioxidant-rich foods may play a role in preventing cancer, they have not been shown to have any healing powers.

Although more research is needed to prove the many benefits of papaya leaves, in fact, the consumption of papaya leaves is relatively safe. A 2014 animal study found that papaya leaves had no toxic effects even at very large doses, and human studies have reported few negative side effects.
However, there are still cases of allergy to papaya leaves and it is recommended not to consume papaya leaves in any form. Furthermore, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor before using any papaya leaf preparation.
While papaya leaf itself is generally considered safe for most people, it's important that you only choose the highest quality products if you're purchasing it as a supplement. Nutritional and herbal supplements are not strictly regulated in some countries, including the United States. Supplement manufacturers do not have to prove a product's safety or effectiveness before selling it. As a result, they may contain contaminants or other potentially harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. To avoid any unintended negative consequences, choose supplements that have been tested for purity by a third-party organization, like the United States Pharmacopeia.
There is not enough evidence yet to make precise dosing recommendations for each possible use of papaya leaves. However, taking three doses up to 30ml of papaya leaf extract per day is considered safe and effective for the treatment of dengue. If you are unsure how much papaya leaves you should consume, consult a qualified healthcare provider.
Papaya is one of the most commonly grown fruits in the world, its fruit, seeds and leaves are used for a variety of culinary and medicinal purposes. Papaya leaves are commonly taken in extract, tea or juice form and have been found to treat symptoms associated with dengue fever. Other common uses include: reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, supporting skin and hair health, and preventing cancer. However, there is not enough evidence to determine if it is effective for any of these purposes. Papaya leaf is generally considered safe, but you should avoid it if you are allergic to it. Always consult with your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your wellness routine.

Reference sources: healthline.com, webmd.com