Down with dengue, Divyanka Tripathi drinks papaya leaves juice prepared by husband Vivek Dahiya; we find out if it helps increase platelet count
He then strains the juice and pours it into a cup, which Divyanka is seen drinking, her face displaying a not-so-pleasing expression. ' Shabaash! Pura pi gayi (Good! She finished it),' quipped Dahiya.
But does raw papaya juice help dengue patients increase their platelet count?
Dr RR Dutta, HOD, internal medicine, Paras Health, Gurugram, said the use of papaya leaf juice as a supportive remedy during dengue infection has garnered interest due to its potential role in improving platelet counts.
Adding, Dr Narander Singla, lead consultant in internal medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, said papaya leaf juice has 'long been used in traditional medicine to treat dengue fever,' which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
However, he was quick to point out that individuals should always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any alternative or complementary therapy.
What is known about papaya leaf juice?
According to Dr Singhla, papaya leaf extracts contain bioactive compounds such as Kaempferol and Quercetin, which 'may possess antiviral properties.' These compounds are believed to inhibit the replication of the dengue virus, offering a potential complementary approach to managing the illness, said Dr Singhla.
A study published in the 2022 International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that papaya leaf extracts demonstrated high binding affinities for the non-structural proteins NS3 and NS5 of the dengue virus, which play a crucial role in viral replication. 'This suggests that Kaempferol and Quercetin could be promising candidates for further investigation as antiviral agents,' said Dr Singhla.
In addition to their antiviral effects, 'these extracts have shown the ability to significantly increase platelet counts in dengue patients—a critical factor in managing the disease,' said Dr Singhla.
What to consider?
Despite these promising findings, it is essential to exercise caution when using papaya leaf juice as a treatment, according to Dr Singhla.
Drishya Ale, dietitian, Paras Health, Gurugram, concurred and shared that while some studies have shown promising results, it should be used with caution.
'Clinical trials have reported a rise in platelet counts among patients who consumed papaya leaf extract, but findings vary in terms of dosage, preparation methods, and the patient's response. It's important to note that while papaya leaf juice might be considered a supportive measure, it should not replace standard medical treatment for dengue,' said Ale.
Does papaya leaves juice help? We ask experts (Photo: Freepik)
Monitoring platelet levels regularly is also essential to ensure treatment efficacy and safety, said Dr Singhla.
Anyone considering it should do so under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions, Ale added.
'Close monitoring, adequate hydration, and supportive care remain the cornerstones of treatment, and any natural remedies should only be used after consulting a physician to ensure they are safe and appropriate for the individual's condition,' said Dr Dutta.
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