A Comparative Pilot Study of Carica Papaya Leaf Extract against Dengue Fever

Dengue is a viral disease that today affects a vast number of people in over 125 countries and is responsible for a sizable number of deaths. In the absence of an effective antiviral drug to treat the disease, various treatments are being investigated. Studies have indicated that the juice of the leaves of the Carica papaya plant from the family Caricaceae could help to increase the platelet levels in these patients. Eighty patients were randomised into two groups, study group and control group; the study group was given of papaya leaf extract-two 10 ml doses at an 8 hour interval daily and routine supportive treatment for consecutive five days. The controls were given only routine supportive treatment. Daily complete blood counts and platelet counts of both groups were observed. The results showed that the change in the Platelet count is faster in the study group as compared to the control group and it is clearly indicated a rising trend (steep) in the platelets of the study group, whereas in the control group there was a gradual rise on 4th and 5th day. It is also observed that Carica papaya leaf extract increases the platelet count in dengue fever without any side effect and prevents the complication of thrombocytopenia. So, it can be used in dengue fever with thrombocytopenia patients.