Papaya Leaf

Carica papaya leaf · Papaya leaf extract

Snapshot

Indications	Contraindications
Dengue-associated thrombocytopenia^1–3 Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia^{4, 5} Dengue platelet counts^{6, 7} Shorter hospital stay in dengue^{2, 7} Dengue infection⁶	Pregnancy⁸ Liver impairment⁸

Papaya leaf (Carica papaya) is the leaf of a tropical tree, sold as juice, tea, or extract to improve immune function and platelet counts⁸. It is thought to act through immune cytokine signaling, though the mechanism remains unclear⁸. People take it to raise low platelet counts in dengue and chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, and for immune support, with antibacterial effects shown only in laboratory studies⁸. The typical patient is an adult or child with dengue-associated thrombocytopenia^{1, 9}.

Randomized trials in dengue found faster platelet recovery, and a meta-analysis found higher platelet counts, although a second review rated the evidence low quality and insufficient to define its role^{1–3, 6, 7}. A 2026 late-stage randomized trial in chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia found platelet counts recovered faster than with placebo⁴. A 2021 systematic scoping review found short-term use well tolerated, with liver and reproductive toxicity concerns arising from animal studies of long-term use¹⁰. Many products list papaya leaf, mostly capsules and liquid extracts; see Form comparison.

Product labels in the United States ask for a physician's advice before use in pregnancy or alongside medications¹¹.

Last updated October 16, 2026. Read how we make monographs.

In the full monograph

37 sources, 25 studies

When to useThe situations practitioners use it for, each with the reason and the study behind it.
SafetyWho should avoid it, who needs extra care, and the side effects reported in studies.
InteractionsThe medicines and supplements it interacts with, the effect of each, and what labeling says to watch.
Protocol notesThe doses used in studies, how and when they were taken, and how the forms on the market compare.
How it worksWhat it is and how it works in the body, in plain terms.
Published studiesThe studies behind each use, popular claims checked against them, and trials still under way.
Word of mouthWhat patients and practitioners report online, kept separate from the clinical evidence.
Clinical perspectiveA closing read of where the evidence is solid, where it is thin, and what has not been studied.

Snapshot

In the full monograph

Sources