Is papaya leaf juice a dengue cure?

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has done clinical trials on papaya leaf juice and the results are promising.

PETALING JAYA: There is a frantic search for a dengue vaccination and the Ministry of Health is working with pharmaceutical firm Sanofi Pasteur on developing what will be the “first ever dengue vaccine in Asia” slated to be completed in 2015/2016.

But, many swear on a home made remedy of papaya leaf juice.

The juice is said to lower dengue fever by increasing blood platelet count.

A study led by Dr. Soobitha Subenthran and team from the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur found that Carica papaya leaf extract can assist in increasing platelets in patients with dengue fever.

The team of researchers conducted clinical trials on 288 dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever patients where half were given papaya leaf juice for three days while the other half received standard dengue treatment. These two groups were then constantly monitored and their blood count checked every eight hours for 48 hours.

It was found that the group administered with papaya leaf juice showed a “significant increase” of platelets compared to the group under the standard dengue treatment procedure.

Prof. Dr. Saringat Haji Baie from the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang also strongly supported IMR’s findings.

“It is not merely a traditional belief, but a proven cure as I have tried it on my own son when he fell victim to dengue recently. Many people are taking it and although not scientifically proven, it works,” said the professor.

Dr. Saringat further added that “it is not easy to get funds for research but IMR should further develop their research and look into this more seriously as they have the funds, equipment and manpower.”