pawpaw leaves contain plant compounds that have been used in a variety of culinary and medical activities for centuries. It is frequently eaten in the form of an extract, tea, or juice and has been shown to relieve symptoms of dengue fever.
Other popular uses include the decrease of inflammation, the enhancement of blood sugar control, the support of skin and hair health, and the prevention of cancer.
1. May treat symptoms related to dengue fever.
The potential of pawpaw leaf to relieve particular dengue fever symptoms is one of its most prominent medical benefits. Dengue fever is a virus spread by mosquitos that cause flu-like symptoms in humans, including fever, fatigue, headaches, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes.
Severe cases may also result in a decrease in platelet count in the blood. Low platelet counts can increase the risk of bleeding and, if left untreated, can be fatal. According to a study, pawpaw leaf extract can help increase blood platelet levels in dengue fever patients.
2. May help maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
Pawpaw leaf is commonly used as a natural diabetes treatment and blood sugar management supplement. Pawpaw leaf is used in traditional medicine to treat diabetes and high blood sugar levels.
3. It may be beneficial for digestion.
Teas and extracts from pawpaw leaves are commonly used as an alternative medication to alleviate unpleasant digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and heartburn.
The pawpaw leaf contains fiber, a vitamin that aids indigestion and a special protein called papain. Papain’s ability to break down large proteins into smaller, more easily digestible proteins and amino acids is well documented. It is even used in the kitchen as a meat tenderizer.
In one study, it was shown that supplementing with papain powder obtained from papaya fruit alleviated unpleasant digestive symptoms such as constipation and heartburn in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.
4. It May have anti-inflammatory properties.
Numerous pawpaw leaf formulations are frequently used to treat a number of internal and external inflammatory conditions, including skin rashes, muscle soreness, and joint discomfort.
The papaya leaf contains a number of minerals and phytochemicals with anti-inflammatory qualities, including papain, flavonoids, and vitamin E.
5. Help with hair growth.
Papaya leaf masks and juices are frequently used topically to promote hair development and scalp health. Numerous studies indicate that elevated levels of oxidative stress in the body may contribute to hair loss.
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods may aid in the reduction of oxidative stress and, as a result, hair growth. Papaya leaves contain antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and vitamin E.
The strong antioxidant content of papaya leaf is usually cited by proponents of using it to boost hair development. There is, however, no conclusive evidence that using papaya leaves topically promotes hair growth.
6. May be beneficial to skin health
Papain, a protein-digesting enzyme found in papaya leaves, can be applied topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and may help prevent the formation of clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and acne. Additionally, papaya leaf enzymes have been utilised to aid in the healing of wounds.