Delving into the Therapeutic Potential of Carica papaya Leaf against Thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a clinical manifestation that refers to the low platelet count, i.e., <150 × 103/μL, of blood, resulting in imbalanced hemostasis, which leads to several fatal complications. The causative factors vary greatly, but, as a consequence, they interfere with platelet production and promote destruction, leading to death. Carica papaya leaf has unique therapeutic and medicinal characteristics against thrombocytopenia, and this is supported by scientific studies. Secondary metabolites and minerals in the leaf, such as carpaine and quercetin, promote platelet production, inhibit platelet destruction, and maintain platelet membrane through gene expression activity and the ceasing of viral proteases, respectively. This review explores the scientific studies that support the role of papaya leaf in the form of juice, extract, or powder against thrombocytopenia through animal modeling and clinical trials. Phytochemical profiles of C. papaya leaf revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, tannins, terpenes, and saponins, which impart therapeutic potential to the leaf. The therapeutic benefits of the leaf include immunomodulatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer, antimalarial, antiangiogenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant activities. Several conducted scientific research studies have proved the efficacy of C. papaya leaf against thrombocytopenia, expanding the implication of natural sources to eradicate numerous ailments.

Biochemical Impact of Carica Papaya (Pawpaw) leaves Extract and Ruzu Bitters on Hematology and Brain Histology in Sprague Dawley Rats

“…This result is by a recent study which shows that platelet counts significantly increased in patients with dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever treated with Carica papaya leaves extract [18] ; this is a result of its immunomodulatory effect [38], as reported in another study which shows that it was able to mediate allergic reactions and inhibit the growth of certain tumor cells, the leaves contains flavonoids, a potent antioxidant, alpha-tocopherol, and benzyl isothiocyanate, which increases the production of Th1-type cytokines [39]. Another study revealed that the leaf extract showed a significant therapeutic effect on Thrombocytopenia, a clinical manifestation of low platelet count [40]; this is also in line with our result.…”

Traditional Mexican Food: Phenolic Content and Public Health Relationship

“…Moreover, recent studies explain how PC positively affect certain illnesses, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, thrombocytopenia, or metabolic syndrome [ 1 , 8 , 9 ]. Several common features characterize these pathologies; among them, we can highlight the redox balance and a notable inflammatory response that strongly alters the biochemical and functional characteristics of the affected tissues.…”

Effect of Carica papaya Leaf Juice on Bone Marrow Aspirate of Busulfan-induced Chronic Bone Marrow Aplasia in Mice

“…The alkaloid carpaine in carica papaya leaves has displayed antithrombocytopenic activity in many researches 11 . Carpaine and quercitin in papaya leaves promotes platelet production, inhibits platelet damage and maintains platelet membrane via gene expression activity and ceasing of viral proteases, respectively 12 .The papain enzyme has also been reported to reverse immune mediated platelet destruction 13 . The current literature shows that Carica papaya leaf juice augments platelet activity.…”