Papaya is a renowned tropical fruit tree that is highly nutritious. The papaya tree is also considered a “versatile” plant, as all parts of it can be used for consumption or medicinal purposes. In traditional medicine, the fruit, seeds, and especially the leaves of the papaya are applied in various remedies.
Top 7 Notable Benefits of Papaya Leaves
1. Supports Treatment of Dengue Fever Symptoms
One of the most prominent medicinal benefits of papaya leaves is their ability to treat certain symptoms associated with dengue fever.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, dengue fever is a disease caused by a virus transmitted from mosquitoes to humans. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes. In severe cases, dengue fever can lead to a decrease in blood platelets, increasing the risk of bleeding and death if not treated promptly.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for dengue fever; treatment is primarily based on symptom control, and papaya leaves are one of the remedies used.
Research published in the Journal of the Association of Physicians of India shows that papaya leaf extract can significantly increase platelet counts in the blood of individuals with dengue fever.
2. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
Papaya leaves and seeds can be used for medicine. (Photo: Shutterstock).
In traditional Mexican medicine, papaya leaves are often used to treat diabetes and improve blood sugar control.
Studies on mice have shown that papaya leaf extract has strong antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects, potentially protecting insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage. However, there is currently no scientific evidence proving that similar effects occur in humans. Therefore, more human studies are needed to determine the blood sugar control capabilities of papaya leaves.
3. Aids Digestive Function
Teas and extracts from papaya leaves are commonly used to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as bloating, abdominal distension, and acid reflux.
A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine indicates that papaya leaves contain fiber—a nutrient essential for a healthy digestive system—and a unique compound called papain.
Papain has the ability to break down large proteins into smaller, more digestible proteins and amino acids. It is also used as a meat tenderizer in cooking.
A study by Austrian scientists found that using papain powder derived from papaya fruit can help reduce symptoms like constipation and acid reflux in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Anti-inflammatory Properties
Dried papaya leaves. (Illustrative image).
Preparations made from papaya leaves are often used to treat a range of inflammatory conditions including skin rashes, muscle pain, and joint pain.
A study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine states that papaya leaves contain numerous nutrients and phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory properties, such as papain, flavonoids, and vitamin E.
Another study found that papaya leaf extract significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the feet of mice with arthritis.
5. Prevents Hair Loss
Papaya leaves are often used to make hair rinses to prevent hair loss. The leaves contain several compounds with antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and vitamin E. These compounds are essential for maintaining healthy hair.
Papaya leaves have been shown to possess antifungal properties in in vitro studies. Therefore, they are often believed to support the health of hair and scalp by inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing fungi.
6. Enhances Skin Beauty
Papaya leaf juice. (Illustrative image).
Drinking or applying papaya leaf juice is considered a way to achieve soft and youthful skin. The papain present in papaya leaves can help exfoliate, unclog pores, and thereby reduce acne. Furthermore, enzymes in papaya leaves have been shown to promote wound healing and minimize the appearance of scar tissue in a study on rabbits.
7. Supports Cancer Prevention
Papaya leaves have been used in traditional medicine to prevent and treat various types of cancer. Scientists at Gadjah Mada University (Indonesia) and Queensland University of Technology (Australia) reported that papaya leaf extract has a strong ability to inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in in vitro studies. A study published in The American Journal of Cancer Research indicated that while consuming papaya leaves and other antioxidant-rich foods may play a role in cancer prevention, they have not been proven to be curative.
Precautions When Using Papaya Leaves
Papaya leaves and fruit. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Papaya leaves contain many unique phytochemicals with proven pharmacological potential demonstrated through in vitro and animal studies. Although human studies on the therapeutic effectiveness of papaya leaves are still lacking, many preparations from papaya leaves, such as teas, extracts, tablets, and juices, are commonly used to support disease treatment and enhance health in various ways.
However, if you wish to use papaya leaves for any health purpose, it is crucial to consult with specialized doctors to avoid any unwanted side effects.
