Unique plant chemicals found in papaya leaves have shown to offer a wide range of therapeutic applications in animal and in vitro research. Several papaya leaf products, including teas, extracts, tablets, and juices, are frequently used to treat illnesses and boost health in a variety of ways, despite the fact that there haven’t been many human research on the subject.
Carica papaya, usually referred to as papaya or pawpaw, is a tropical fruit that is indigenous to Mexico and northern South America. Papaya is currently one of the most extensively cultivated crops in the world. Its fruit, seeds, and leaves are frequently employed in a range of traditional culinary and medicinal practices. Several papaya leaf concoctions that are frequently used to treat illnesses and enhance health have been around for a very long time, despite the fact that there haven’t been many human research on them.
Benefits
May have anti-inflammatory effects
Papaya leaf contains substances that may have anti-inflammatory benefits, however there are no human studies to back up this claim.
Many different papaya leaf preparations, including those for skin rashes, muscular aches, and joint pain, are often used to treat a wide range of internal and exterior inflammatory disorders.
Vitamin E, flavonoids, and papain are just a few of the nutrients and plant chemicals found in papaya leaves that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
In a study, papaya leaf extract dramatically decreased edema and inflammation in the paws of arthritis-affected rats.
Hence, there is currently inadequate scientific information to say if papaya leaf can treat acute or chronic inflammation in humans.
May support digestive function
Although evidence is sparse, papaya leaf nutrients and chemicals may help with digestive issues.
Teas and extracts made from papaya leaves are frequently used as an alternate form of treatment for uncomfortable digestive symptoms like gas, bloating, and heartburn.
In addition to fiber, which is a food that supports a healthy digestive system, papaya leaves also contain a special substance called papain.
The ability of papain to reduce big proteins into smaller, simpler-to-digest proteins and amino acids is widely established. It’s even employed in cooking as a meat tenderizer.
According to one study, persons with irritable bowel syndrome who used a papain powder supplement, derived from papaya fruit, experienced fewer unfavorable digestive symptoms, such as constipation and heartburn (IBS).
There haven’t been any specific studies done to determine how well papaya leaf works to treat comparable types of digestive issues.
There is no guarantee that it will improve your digestive system in any manner, and the majority of the evidence in favor of its use for this purpose is limited to stories.
Balanced blood sugar
In traditional medical practices, papaya leaf is used to treat diabetes and high blood sugar. Although papaya leaf has been proven to reduce blood sugar levels in animal research, no human trials have supported this claim.
Papaya leaf is frequently used as a natural treatment for diabetes and to enhance blood sugar management in Mexican folk medicine.
Papaya leaf extract has been reported to have strong antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering properties in studies on diabetic mice. This is ascribed to papaya leaf’s capacity to shield pancreatic insulin-producing cells from harm and early demise.
Yet, there is no proof from science to suggest that people might have the same or comparable impacts.
If papaya leaf may be utilized to help control high blood sugar levels in humans, more research is required.
Treat symptoms related to dengue fever
The ability of papaya leaves to alleviate some dengue fever symptoms is one of its most notable medical benefits.
Dengue is a virus spread by mosquitoes that can infect people and result in flu-like symptoms as fever, exhaustion, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
Reduced platelet counts in the blood are another side effect of severe instances. When left untreated, low platelet counts can increase the risk of bleeding and can be fatal.
While there is presently no treatment for dengue, there are many options for reducing its symptoms, including papaya leaf.
Papaya leaf extract markedly raised blood platelet levels in three human investigations that comprised several hundred dengue patients.
Also, compared to traditional therapies, papaya leaf therapy was found to be significantly more cost-effective and to have very few associated adverse effects.
For healthy skin
Papaya leaf enzymes can serve as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells, stop acne, and possibly even lessen the visibility of scars.
To preserve soft, clean, and youthful-looking skin, papaya leaf is commonly ingested or applied topically.
Papain, a protein-dissolving enzyme found in papaya leaves, can be applied topically as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells and perhaps lessen the likelihood of acne, ingrown hairs, and clogged pores.
In addition, papaya leaf enzymes have been used to enhance wound healing, and a rabbit research found that they reduced the visibility of scar tissue.
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Have anticancer properties
Papaya leaf extract has been shown to slow the growth of cancer cells in test tubes, but human trials are sparse.
Although papaya leaf has been used in traditional medicine to treat and prevent some cancers, more recent study is still needed.
In test-tube research, papaya leaf extract has shown a potent ability to suppress the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells, but neither animal nor human experiments have been able to replicate these findings.
Papaya leaves and other foods high in antioxidants may help prevent cancer, but their ability to treat the disease has not been established.
Support hair growth
Although papaya leaf is frequently applied topically to promote hair development and improve scalp health, there is no scientific proof for this practice.
Papaya leaf juice and masks are frequently applied topically to promote healthy hair development and a healthy scalp, however there is very little research to back up their effectiveness in these areas.
According to certain studies, the body experiencing high amounts of oxidative stress may be a factor in hair loss. Consuming meals high in antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress, which may therefore enhance hair development.
Flavonoids and vitamin E are just a couple of the substances found in papaya leaf that have antioxidant capabilities.
Papaya leaf’s abundant amount of antioxidants is frequently cited by those who recommend utilizing it to promote hair development. There isn’t much proof, nevertheless, that papaya leaf use on the skin can promote healthy hair growth.
Malassezia, a fungus that can obstruct hair growth, overgrows and causes some types of dandruff.
Good for Liver
Similar to papaya, papaya leaf juice has powerful liver-cleansing properties that can treat cirrhosis of the liver, jaundice, and other chronic liver illnesses.Bottom Line
The fruit, seeds, and leaves of the papaya, one of the most frequently farmed plants in the world, are used in a range of dishes and medicines.
Papaya leaf, which is frequently taken as an extract, tea, or juice, has been shown to cure dengue fever symptoms.
Additional frequent uses include lowering inflammation, enhancing blood sugar regulation, promoting the health of the skin and hair, and avoiding cancer.
To know whether it works for any of these goals, there isn’t adequate proof at this time.
Although papaya leaf is generally regarded as safe, those who are allergic to it should avoid eating it.
Prior to incorporating any herbal supplements into your health and wellness program, always check with your healthcare professional.
