Carica papaya — also simply known as papaya or pawpaw — is a type of tropical, fruit-bearing tree native to Mexico and northern regions of South America.
Today, papaya is one of the most widely cultivated crops in the world. Its fruit, seeds, and leaves are frequently utilized in a variety of culinary and folk medicine practices.
Papaya leaf contains unique plant compounds that have demonstrated broad pharmacological potential in test-tube and animal studies.
Although human research is lacking, many papaya leaf preparations, such as teas, extracts, tablets, and juices, are often used to treat illnesses and promote health in numerous ways.
Here are 7 emerging benefits and uses of papaya leaf.
1. May treat symptoms related to dengue fever
One of the most prominent medicinal benefits of papaya leaf is its potential to treat certain symptoms associated with dengue fever.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne virus that can be transmitted to humans and cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
Severe cases can also result in reduced platelet levels in the blood. Low platelet levels can contribute to an increased risk of bleeding and are potentially fatal if left untreated.
While there’s currently no cure for dengue, several treatments are available for managing its symptoms — one of which is papaya leaf.
Three human studies that included several hundred people with dengue found that papaya leaf extract significantly increased blood platelet levels.
What’s more, the papaya leaf therapy had very few associated side effects and was found to be much more cost effective than conventional treatment
2. May promote balanced blood sugar
Papaya leaf is often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural therapy for treating diabetes and improving blood sugar control.
Studies in mice with diabetes have found papaya leaf extract to have potent antioxidant and blood-sugar-lowering effects. This is attributed to papaya leaf’s ability to protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage and premature death.
Still, no scientific evidence indicates that the same or similar effects may occur in humans.
More research is needed to determine whether papaya leaf can be used to help manage high blood sugar levels in human.
3. May support digestive function
Papaya leaf teas and extracts are often used as an alternative therapy to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms, such as gas, bloating, and heartburn.
Papaya leaf contains 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, easier-to-digest proteins and amino acids. It’s even used as a meat tenderizer in culinary practices.
One study found that the supplemental use of a papain powder sourced from papaya fruit reduced negative digestive symptoms, including constipation and heartburn, in people with irritable bowel syndrome.
No scientific studies have specifically evaluated papaya leaf’s ability to treat similar types of digestive disturbances.
Most of the evidence favoring its use for this purpose is limited to anecdotal reports, and there’s no guarantee it’ll improve your digestive function in any way.
4. May have anti-inflammatory effects
Various papaya leaf preparations are frequently used to remedy a broad range of internal and external inflammatory conditions, including skin rashes, muscle aches, and joint pain.
Papaya leaf contains various nutrients and plant compounds with potential anti-inflammatory benefits, such as papain, flavonoids, and vitamin.
One study found that papaya leaf extract significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the paws of rats with arthritis.
Yet, no human studies have confirmed these results.
Thus, at this point, scientific evidence is insufficient to determine whether papaya leaf can treat acute or chronic inflammation in human.
5. May support hair growth
Topical applications of papaya leaf masks and juices are often used to improve hair growth and scalp health, but evidence to support its efficacy for these purposes is extremely limited.
Some research suggests that high levels of oxidative stress in the body may contribute to hair loss. Eating antioxidant-rich foods may help alleviate oxidative stress and subsequently improve hair growth.
Papaya leaf contains several compounds with antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and vitamin ).
Proponents of using papaya leaf to improve hair growth often cite its rich supply of antioxidants. However, there’s no significant evidence that the topical application of papaya leaves can benefit the hair growth process.
Certain types of dandruff are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia, which can impede hair growths.
6. May promote healthy skin
Papaya leaf is frequently consumed orally or applied topically as a way to maintain soft, clear, and youthful-looking skin.
A protein-dissolving enzyme in papaya leaf called papain can be used topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and potentially reduce the occurrence of clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and acne.
Moreover, papaya leaf enzymes have been used to promote wound healing, and one study found they minimized the appearance of scar tissue in rabbits.
7. May have anticancer properties
Papaya leaf has been used in traditional medicine practices to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, but modern research is still lacking.
Papaya leaf extract has demonstrated a powerful ability to inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in test-tube studies, but neither animal nor human experiments have replicated these results.
Papaya leaves are known for their medicinal uses and hold special significance in Ayurveda. Ayurveda and yoga rely heavily on these plant leaves to treat major conditions from malaria to cancer and everything in between. Keep growing papaya trees and keep nurturing them so that you can utilise them and treat your condition naturally.
Papaya is considered as one of the healthiest fruits, it helps in curing many diseases. Not only the pulp but its leaves contain many healing properties against various diseases. These include:
Diabetes: Papaya leaf juice regulates the production of insulin which in turn checks blood sugar levels. Its strong antioxidants help to bring down the consequent complications of diabetes like kidney damage and fatty liver. This juice can work wonder for diabetics.
Cancer: Papaya leaves contain phenolic compounds, papain and alkaloids and these nutrients act as strong antioxidants which in turn, enhance the body’s immunity. The immune-modulating properties of papaya leaf may help prevent cancer.
Menstrual cramps: Papaya leaf juice helps reduce menstrual cramps and regulates the menstrual cycle by balancing hormonal changes.
Digestive disorder: The combination of papain and other compounds present in papaya leaves help in effective digestion of essential proteins which cure digestive disorders. It also helps in treating gastric ulcer and oxidative stress on the stomach.
Heart burn: Papaya leaf juice helps get rid of heart burn discomfort and is a great appetite stimulant.
Skin problems: Papaya leaf juice obtained by crushing tender papaya leaves is topically applied to treat skin allergies. It helps cure skin ageing and provides a radiant skin.
Hair problem: Hair problems, such as, dandruff, hair fall and scalp allergies can be treated by applying concentrated papaya leaf extract topically. Premature greying and hair thinning can also be treated by applying papaya leaves juice on scalp. This juice also gives a beautiful sheen to your hair and acts as a potent conditioner.
Liver and kidney inflammation: Papaya leaf juice is a great detox drink that has high levels of phytochemicals and flavonoids that work together to cleanse your blood, improve blood circulation and protect your liver and kidneys from inflammation.
Malaria: Papaya leaves have strong antimalarial properties, making them best to cure malaria.
Dengue: The extract from papaya leaves acts as an effective remedy to treat dengue fever. Papaya leaf juice reduces the symptoms of dengue including high fever and skin rash. It also helps increase the platelet count.
The taste of papaya leaves is bitter but its health benefits are magnificent. They are loaded with calcium and vitamin A, B, C, D and E. The antioxidants present in the leaves fight free radicals that enter the body. So consider the health benefits over its taste.
Papaya leaf juice is made by grinding, thoroughly washed tender papaya leaves to a fine paste adding little water. Filter this juice with the help of a strainer. The juice is thick and bitter, so it is diluted with water to make it milder to drink.
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