PAPAYA LEAVES AND DENGUE ISSUE

REPORTED THAT PAPAYA LEAVES (Carica papaya) able ti improve platelet counts in dengue patient, and are unlikely to cause liver, kidney or heart failure says the Malaysian Health Ministry. In a statement that the Health Ministry said from the research activity revealed that after taking the papaya leaf juice there are an increase in platelet counts for normal dengue and hemorrhagic dengue class 1 patients had been recorded. Reported that clinical trials by the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) on use of papaya leaf in dengue patients (both normal dengue and hemorrhagic dengue show that by taking a dosage of 30ml(two tablespoons) of juice from mature papaya leaves every day, platelet counts increase after three days.The platelet increase is just one of the processes that happens in a patient that affected by dengue. Research is still ongoing on the use of papaya leaf juice for dengue. The health ministry does not provide papaya leaf juice at any of its hospitals. The statement from the health ministry comes in the wake of claims by individuals highlighted in the media, claiming that the juice of papaya leaves was dangerous for consumption. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I share an information about papaya leaves and dengue issue form few resources including NST portal.

Papaya leaves do improve platelet counts in dengue patient, and are unlikely to cause liver, kidney or heart failure says the Health Ministry. Reported a few days ago, there was a news or statement from certain parties stating that the leaves of papaya leaves contain a dangerous chemical known as cyanogenic glycoside which could cause liver, kidney or heart failure and ultimately death. Cyanogenic glycoside or 'bad sugar' is contained in 2000 species of plants, including food items such as tapioca, almonds, seeds, cinnamon, bamboo shoots, fruits that have kernels such as apricots, peaches, plums and cherries and other. The statement went on to clarify that while the leaf did contain the chemical in small dosages (0.02 mg in every four leaves), a 60kg person would need to consume 12,000 papaya leaves at one time to cause any acute poisoning. The statement went on to say that during safety tests conducted by IMR on lab animals, it was revealed that even with a dosage of 2000mg per kg of body weight, no side effects were seen on the kidneys, liver and heart.

 

A report titled "Alternative herbal drink introduced to combat dengue fever" related to this topic. An alternative herbal drink to fight the dengue fever has been introduced. This repored stated that thanks to Al Faris Herbs, the 'Sari Daun Betik' is rich in Vitamin C and minerals, made with papaya leaf extract to increase blood platelets in human body. The Al Faris advisor Datuk Dr Shuib Saedin, who is also a medical practitioner, said the drink helps to increase low level of platelets in human body. The papaya leaf juice is probably the most well-known alternative treatment for dengue.  However, it is bitter to consume, especially for children.  They claimed that they carried out scientific studies in the past few months and produced this herbal remedy which consists of dates, honey and other vitamins combined with the papaya leaf extract to combat dengue fever/ Dr Shuib said the results cannot be said to be definitive, due to their small study size, but they are certainly promising (See photo above). The product will be available in market starting today and can be found in sundry and retail shops. It is priced at RM55 per bottle and could last more than a month. Meanwhile, the latest report from the Health Ministry states that as of May 5, the number of dengue cases has increased to 41,450 cases and 126 deaths nationwide. This information make sense in Malaysia as related information for locals. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Melacca City,

Malaysia.

(30 Rejab 1446H).