The papaya leaf juice came sooner in the knowledge and use of the people after the inception of the health benefits of Papaya. Thus, the use of papaya leaf juice was introduced in the mid of 17th century. As soon as the papaya leaf juice came into the knowledge, it was used for various uses of papaya leaf juice. This article explores some research-based papaya leaf juice benefits with nutrition facts.

Papaya or pawpaw (scientifically called Carica papaya), is a tropical fruit whose tree is native to the northern regions of South America and Mexico. But now, Papaya is one of the most widely cultivated crops globally. Whether culinary or folk medicine practices, papaya fruit, seeds and leaves are utilized frequently. According to test-tube and animal studies, the benefits of papaya leaf juice come from the plant compounds that demonstrate pharmacological potential.


Image Source: Shutterstock

The scientific name of papaya leaves is known as Carica papaya juice in the world. Some of the other names with which the papaya leaf juice is famous in different parts of the world are as follow:

  • Hindi: Papeete kee pattee ka ras.
  • Telugu: Boppayi Aku Rasam.
  • Tamil: Pappali Ilai Caru.
  • Malayalam: Pappaya Ila Jyus.
  • Gujarati: Papaiya Parnano Rasa.
  • Marathi: Papai Pananca Rasa.

But let us learn more about the benefits of drinking Papaya leaf juice and how you can incorporate it into your diet. Read on!

Are Papaya Leaves Edible?

Yes, the papaya leaf is edible. The papaya tree is the only herb from which you can eat almost all its parts including the leaves, fruit, flowers, stems, seeds, roots, etc. However, you should be aware of how to juice papaya leaves. Once you are aware, you can make the most of the papaya leaves and depend on the various uses of papaya leaves to maintain health.

Nutritional Benefits of Papaya Leaves:

Papaya leaves have an immune-enhancing impact in the bloodstream by acting in synergy to display a potent antioxidant with the help of phytonutrient compounds. The positive biological effects of the Papaya leaves are attributed to papain, alkaloids and phenolic compounds. There are nearly 50 ingredients present in Papaya leaves, out of which the prominent ones are:

  • Vitamin A.
  • Vitamin B1.
  • Vitamin C.
  • Vitamin E.
  • Calories.
  • Protein.
  • Carbohydrates.
  • Calcium.
  • Phosphorus.
  • Potassium.
  • Sodium.
  • Iron.
  • Manganese.
  • Magnesium.
  • Water.

Read: Papaya for Diabetes Good or Bad

Benefits of Drinking Papaya Leaf Juice:

We have listed the benefits of drinking Papaya leaf juice regularly. Let us go through the article to learn more about them.

1. Increases the Immunity Level of the Body:

The papaya leaf juice is efficient for immunity. This is because it contains active compounds like α-tocopherol, lycopene and benzyl isothiocyanate in the phytochemical composition of the papaya leaf juice. These phytochemicals in the papaya leaf juice prevent cancers from metastasizing by showing potent antitumor activity. However, there is a need for more research to prove the same.

The benefits of drinking papaya leaf juice include performing assigned roles in defence against specific stresses, especially from chemotherapies by triggering the production of various chemical messengers with the activation of primary components of your immune system like T-lymphocytes.

2. Anti-inflammatory Benefits:

The health benefits of papaya leaves include dealing with a broad range of internal and external inflammatory conditions. In addition, papaya leaves provide potential anti-inflammatory benefits since they contain papain, flavonoids, vitamin E, and plant compounds and nutrients (1)(2). The papaya leaf extracts reduced swelling and inflammation in the paws of rats with arthritis, as per a study (3). However, there is a need for human research regarding papaya leaf juice’s effects on chronic inflammation in humans.

3. Treating Diabetes and Improving Blood Sugar Levels:

Papaya leaves benefits for diabetes by improving blood sugar control and is often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural therapy (4). The papaya leaf extracts have blood-sugar-lowering effects and potent antioxidants as per studies conducted on mice with diabetes. In addition, the papaya leaf protects the pancreas’ insulin-producing cells from dying premature death or damage. (5)(6). Still, there is no indication that there will be similar effects in humans with papaya leaf juice consumption.

4. Good for the Liver:

There is a high chance of getting complex cardiovascular diseases, obesity and liver diseases because of hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol levels in serum. Papaya leaf juice benefits the liver by lowering cholesterol levels by acting as an alternate plant-based option. This is because papaya leaf juice has phytosterols whose structure is similar to bad cholesterol, preventing LDL from accumulating by competing for intestinal absorption. Therefore, your liver is kept safe from free radical-induced inflammatory diseases such as jaundice and cirrhosis with minimal lipid peroxidation.

5. Anti-Cancer Properties:

Although modern research is still lacking, the advantages of papaya leaves include their usage in traditional practices that might treat and prevent certain types of cancers. For example, according to test-tube studies, Papaya leaf extracts demonstrated the ability to inhibit prostate and breast cancer cell growth. But there are no replicated results from animal or human experiments (7)(8).

There has not been proven to have any curative abilities with the consumption of papaya leaves and other antioxidant-rich foods. Still, they play a role in cancer prevention (9).

6. Supports Digestive Health:

You will be able to solve digestive issues like painful bowel movements, constipation, heartburn due to acid reflux, and bloating with the consumption of papaya leaf juice (10). Papaya leaf juice uses are attributed to active compounds like papain, chymopapain, essential fibre, and abundant antioxidants, increasing appetite by releasing digestive enzymes. In addition, the biochemical constituents of papaya leaf juice soothe the gastric wall damage that might lead to ulcers caused by other stresses and alcohol abuse (11).

7. Eases the Menstrual Flow and Reduces the Pain:

Many women are the victims of lower abdominal pain during periods and menstrual cramps. The Papaya leaf juice’s benefits include reducing pain by easing the menstrual flow and reducing the PMS symptoms. In addition, it helps regulate menstruation cycles and balance hormones with the help of its potent healing properties. There is a significant decrease in menstrual pain and prostaglandin levels in primary dysmenorrhea with papaya leaf extracts.

8. Helps Treat Dengue Fever:

Mosquitoes cause life-threatening dengue fever, which causes several effects on the body, resulting in the body’s reduced platelet count. Other symptoms of dengue include eye pain, shivering, muscular pain, severe headache, high fever, and rash. Papaya leaves are very beneficial in tackling dengue fever with the help of bioactive compounds like chymopapain, caricain and papain (12). In addition, you can reduce the severity of the infection by drinking 25 ml of papaya leaf juice twice a day, making Papaya leaves benefit platelets.

9. Herbal Remedy for Malaria:

Did you know you can use papaya leaves to treat malaria? Yes! The plasmodiastatic properties indirectly control malarial fever by decelerating the growth rate of Plasmodium in your body. In addition, papaya leaf juice also prevents malaria-induced anaemia by increasing the antioxidant levels in patients (13). First, however, there is a need to know the effect of Papaya leaf extract against malaria with the help of more in-depth research and systematic clinical trials.

10. Can Help Achieve Healthy Skin:

Papaya leaves benefit your skin by nourishing your skin and face because they contain antioxidants like alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. In combination with vitamins A and C, these antioxidants improve circulation through your skin by scavenging free radicals in your blood. This process helps reduce the signs of ageing and helps your skin retain its glow and texture.

The application of papaya fruit pulp reduces excess oil generated on your face and opens the clogged pores of your skin, clearing out pimples and acne. As a result, we can see Papaya as an ingredient in many beauty products.

11. Promotes Hair Growth:

We can use Papaya leaves for hair growth and maintaining scalp health, though there is no proper evidence to support the claim. According to some research, hair loss can result from high levels of oxidative stress in the body. But you can improve hair growth by eating antioxidant-rich foods, which might alleviate oxidative stress (14).

Papaya leaf contains vitamin E and flavonoids, which possess antioxidant properties that positively help hair growth (15). However, the effect of topical application of papaya leaf is yet to have significant evidence.

12. Help Treat Dandruff:

The overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia results in certain types of dandruff which might dampen hair growth (16). However, according to test-tube studies, the Papaya leaf inhibits the growth of dandruff-causing fungus because it has anti-fungal properties supporting hair and scalp health (17). Therefore, papaya leaf is an excellent remedy to cure dandruff and itchy scalp problems by eliminating excess oil, dirt and grime. It also helps with premature balding, making it less prone to dryness and fungal infections by balancing out the moisture and oil on your scalp. However, there is no scientific proof to know the direct effect of Papaya leaf against Malassezia.

Read: Papaya Diet for Weight Loss

How to Make Papaya Leaf Juice at Home:

Here is a simple recipe for Papaya leaf juice you can prepare in the comfort of your home:

Ingredients:

  1. 5 to 10 clean, fresh and tender papaya leaves.
  2. Juicer or blender.

Preparation:

  • Use fresh water to wash the papaya leaves.
  • Place the leaves into a blender and blend them thoroughly until you get a smooth paste.
  • You can add little water to aid the process.
  • Use a sieve or thin cloth to strain the contents.
  • Take a small glass to collect the clarified juice.

How to Drink Papaya Leaf Juice:

The precise dosage recommendations for the consumption of papaya leaf juice don’t have enough evidence. The perfect way of drinking the papaya leaf juice is by mixing it with some water. But taking one ounce of papaya leaf extract for up to three doses is considered effective and safe for dengue fever treatment. But to make sure there are no possible side effects or if you have any pre-existing health conditions, consult a doctor before taking anything.

Papaya Leaf Juice Side Effects:

Although there are several benefits attributed to the consumption of Papaya leaf juice, here are some of the side effects you need to keep in mind:

  • Papaya leaf juice might not be safe for pregnant women or those trying to conceive. There is a lot written about how the Papaya leaf causes stillbirth in pregnant women.
  • Refrain from consuming the Papaya leaf juice if you are allergic to papaya fruit. It might cause some symptoms which might require medical attention. Some of the allergic symptoms include:
    • Skin rashes.
    • Stomach irritation.
    • Nausea.

Because Papaya leaf juice’s benefits are more compared to drawbacks, you can add it to your breakfast, though the taste is bitter. But if you are still unsure, consult a healthcare professional to avoid the occurrence of any side effects. Don’t forget to let us know if you found this article helpful!

Read: Papaya Reduce Weight

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based purely on research and is not a replacement for professional advice. You can always consult your doctor or health care professional before adding anything to your diet. Furthermore, the website is not responsible for the authenticity and accuracy of the information.

1. Can Anyone Use Papaya Leaf Juice?

Ans: According to several studies, it is safe to use papaya leaf juice. But it is always best to consult a doctor before adding anything new to your diet to avoid any allergic reactions.

2. Is There A Chance Of An Allergic Reaction Because Of Papaya Leaf Juice?

Ans: There is a chance of specific allergies due to papaya leaf because of papain in the fruit or pollen from the flowers. Some of the reactions you might have to keep an eye on are:

  • Swelling.
  • Dizziness.
  • Headache.
  • Rashes.
  • Itching.

3. Can We Drink Papaya Leaf Juice Daily?

Ans: If you have a weak immune system, Papaya leaf juice can benefit you. Drinking papaya leaf juice daily might help boost your immunity. But suppose you have any pre-existing health conditions. In that case, it is better to consult a doctor before adding papaya leaf juice to your diet.

Saanvi

About Saanvi

Saanvi Sharma is an excellent web content writer in health and nutrition. Her expertise in the subject stems from in-depth research and knowledge that she gained over the years. Her interest in science coupled with a bachelor's degree in biotechnology proves as an added advantage and further adds value to her writing. She is highly interested in science, thus writing quality content became her virtue.
ADVERTISEMENT