Carica Papaya
Carica papaya
The papaya tree, whose leaf extract has been studied for raising low platelet counts during chemotherapy and dengue fever, with promising but early results.
Safety at a glance
- PregnancyNothing recorded
- BreastfeedingNothing recorded
- MedicinesNothing recorded
- Who should avoid itNothing recorded
- AllergiesNothing recorded
- ToxicityNothing recorded
Tap a box to read the safety notes below. “Nothing recorded” means our sources don't cover it, not that it's safe.
What is Carica Papaya?
- Plant family
- Caricaceae, the papaya family
- Parts used
- The leaves (as an extract) and the fruit
- Where it grows
- Tropical Central America; now grown throughout the tropics
- Genus
- Carica
- Species
- papaya
Also called
Papaya, Pawpaw
Traditionally used for
- Low platelets
- Dengue
Traditionally described as
- May raise platelet counts
What does the research say?
Laboratory & animal research
Lab and animal results show what might be worth studying in people. They don't show that the herb has these effects in humans.
A 2025 review found papaya extracts may help the body fight viruses, including dengue, by supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation. Papaya extract has raised low platelet counts, a common problem in dengue fever. The authors say clinical trials are needed.[1]Study
Research in people
A 2025 review combined studies of 410 people with cancer whose platelets (blood-clotting cells) fell during chemotherapy. Papaya leaf extract raised platelet counts, and no major side effects were reported. Doses ranged from 580 to 3,300 mg a day. The studies varied and had a risk of bias, so more rigorous research is needed.[2]Review or trial
Technical detail: pooled effect size 2.20 (95% CI 0.96–3.44), P < 0.001.
In a review of dengue treatment trials, the antibiotic doxycycline combined with papaya extract shortened hospital stays (7.3 vs 9.1 days) and raised platelet counts more than standard care. The studies were small, so larger trials are needed.[3]Review or trial
In short
The studies were small and varied.
Sources
- [1] Phytomedical Properties of Carica papaya for Boosting Human Immunity Against Viral Infections · DOI: 10.3390/v17020271Peer-reviewed study
- [2] Could Carica papaya leaf extract impact chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia? A systematic review and meta-analysis · DOI: 10.1177/02601060251367802Review or clinical trial
- [3] Effectiveness of antiviral, immunomodulatory and platelet-enhancing agents for treatment of dengue infection: A systematic review · DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2025.2587491Review or clinical trial
This information is educational and traditional in nature, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Unfamiliar word? See what these words mean.