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| - Last Updated on October 28, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that drinking a mixture of honey and papaya leaf increase platelet counts in just 12 hours. We fact checked and found the claim to be Half true.
The Claim
An Instagram video by the account Sonidavi741 shares that consuming a mixture of papaya leaf juice and honey can boost platelet counts in just 12 hours.
Fact Check
Can papaya leaf and honey increase platelet in just 12 hrs?
To some extent. The known home remedy for dengue is Papaya leaf juice with honey. However, it is important to note that this will not significantly increase platelet counts within 12 hours; it’s a slow process that can take weeks. While studies show a strong connection between only papaya leaf juice and increased platelet production, honey mainly improves the taste, as papaya leaf extract is quite bitter. Claims that it can boost platelets in just a few hours are myths and lack strong evidence.
Does papita leaves increase platelets?
Yes. Recent research on papaya leaf extract shows mixed results regarding its effectiveness in increasing platelet counts. While there are more studies supporting its benefits, some findings remain inconclusive. For example, a 2024 study indicates that papaya leaf extract does increase platelet counts, while a 2012 study acknowledges some increase but concludes that it is not statistically significant.
Latest 2024 research study
In 2024, a dengue patient began treatment with fluid therapy, receiving 0.9% normal saline. The patient was also given oral paracetamol at 650 mg and started on Caripill at 1100 mg three times daily. The medical team encouraged the patient to drink plenty of water. Over the next two days, patient’s platelet count dropped to 30,650/mm³, leading to a nosebleed that required a platelet transfusion.
At this point, the patient’s wife suggested trying papaya leaf juice. She prepared it by cutting three leaves, blending them with 200 mL of water, and straining the juice, which she administered three to four times daily. By day 5, the platelet count decreased to 27,450/mm³, but the rate of decline slowed. On day 7, the count increased to 38,654/mm³, and the patient reported reduced body pain. On day 14, her platelet count rose to 120,320/mm³, and her symptoms resolved, leaving her only mildly fatigued. During a follow-up visit, her count had further increased to 174,536/mm³.
Research shows that papaya leaf juice can boost platelet levels by increasing the expression of genes.
Contradictory study
A 2012 case study at Jinnah Hospital Lahore looked at whether papaya leaf extract could help raise platelet counts in 39 adult patients with dengue fever (DF) or dengue hemorrhagic fever who had low platelet counts. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: one group received 5 ml of papaya leaf extract twice a day for four days, while the other group got a placebo. At the start, both groups had similar platelet counts. After four days, the average platelet count rose in the treatment group and 116.5/µL in the control group, but this difference wasn’t significant. Additionally, 9 patients in the treatment group returned to normal platelet levels, compared to 5 patients in the control group. There were no major differences in how much platelet counts increased on days 2, 3, 4, or 5, and no serious side effects were reported. The study concluded that papaya leaf extract did not significantly improve platelet counts in patients with dengue fever.
What mechanism allows papaya leaves to boost platelet production?
Papaya leaf extract helps increase platelet counts in people with dengue through a few key ways. First, it boosts the activity of certain genes that tell the bone marrow to produce more megakaryocytes, the cells that become platelets. When these cells mature, they break apart to form more platelets.
Second, the extract contains a compound called carpaine, which helps increase the number of receptors on megakaryocytes that assist in platelet production.
Additionally, papaya leaves have flavonoids that prevent viruses from replicating, which reduces the destruction of platelets. Finally, the extract has antioxidant properties that protect platelets from damage. Together, these effects help raise platelet levels in the blood, supporting recovery from dengue.
Should I drink papaya leaf juice to increase my platelet?
Yes, in a dengue fever case, the papaya leaf juice has been found to raise the platelet count. Papaya leaves help increase platelet production and stop their destruction. However, since people may differ in response to these extracts, it would better be assigned to a medical practitioner to help decide on effective treatment for dengue for faster recovery. While papaya leaf juice might offer benefits, it should not replace standard medical care or treatments prescribed by your doctor. Above all, always seek professional advice when necessary.
Dr Mohit Sandhu, BAMS|CAD|CAC|PGDAKS from Gurgaon said Papaya leaf juice can help boost white blood cell (WBC) counts in several conditions. For instance, in patients with dengue fever, a study found that those who took papaya leaf extract for five days experienced a significant increase in their WBC counts. It has also shown promise in treating chemotherapy-induced low platelet counts and even helped a baby with congenital thrombocytopenia improve their platelet count without side effects. Papaya leaves are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and minerals like iron, sodium, and magnesium. Both a pilot study and a randomized controlled trial found that papaya leaf juice was beneficial for dengue patients, helping to raise both WBC and platelet counts.
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