Is Papaya Leaf A Novel Treatment Option For Dengue OR A Toxic Poison?

Recently, the usage of papaya leaves extract to treat dengue is in an increasing trend. This is even more obvious after the “endorsement” from the Ministry of Health, saying that Papaya leaves extract can be used to as adjunct therapy to increase the platelet count of a dengue patient.

However, last two days, there was news saying that papaya leaves extract is toxic and is not suitable to be used in the treatment of dengue patient. While the traditionally used spices and herbs are the right remedies to treat dengue.

So, as a simple minded and straight forward non-medically trained people, who should you listen to?

To make it simple and easy, I have done a summary for the usage of Papaya leaves extract, the do’s and don’t’s.

Do’s

1.Only take the papaya leaves extract products which are registered by Ministry of Health

2.Take the capsules according to the instruction, which is 2 capsules a day (either once daily or in two divided doses)

3.Stop the papaya leaves extract once the platelet count has risen to normal range

4.Continue all the other adjunct therapy by your medical doctor

5.Regularly check on your liver and kidney function when you are taking papaya leaves extract.

Don’t’s

1.Do not take papaya leaves extract as prevention for dengue; it does not help at all.

2.Do not continue taking papaya leaves extract after your platelet level has reached the normal range.

3.Do not take papaya leaves extract for the purposes of “enhance body immune system” after you have recovered from dengue. It does not help.

4.Do not take more than the recommended dosage.

5.Do not pluck/ extract fresh papaya juice/ boil papaya leaves for the tonic from the raw papaya leaves. You may overdose the dengue patient.

There are numerous studies in Malaysia as well as overseas for the toxicity and treatment effect of papaya leaves. It is known that papaya leaves extract will cause increase in liver enzyme (simple term: liver toxicity). However, human knows that medicines are poisons since our forefather’s days. With the right dosage for treatment, it has also been proven in studies that papaya leaves extract does help in increasing the platelet level of dengue patients.

So, rest assure that you did not accidentally poison yourself or your family members by giving them papaya leaves extract while they were diagnosed with dengue. But, please be remembered that also, Papaya leaves extract is not just another health supplement, take it only when it is necessary and with proper guidance.