Khasiat Daun Pepaya

 

The tropical fruit-producing tree Carica papaya. One of the most widely grown plants in the world, this tree is native to Mexico and northern South America. The leaves, fruit and seeds are often used in various traditional dishes and medicines.

 

Many papaya leaf products, including teas, extracts, pills, and juices, are often used to treat disease and promote health in a variety of methods, although human studies in this area are scant.

 

Here are seven benefits of papaya leaves for body health.

 

1. It can provide relief for dengue fever symptoms.

·         The leaves are used to relieve some of the symptoms of dengue fever.

·         The dengue virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, can infect humans and cause flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes.

·         Reducing decreased levels of platelets in the blood. If left untreated, a low platelet count can increase the risk of bleeding and can be fatal

·         Treatment for dengue fever, and to control its symptoms, includes papaya leaves.

·         Three human studies involving several hundred dengue fever patients found just that.

 

2. Can improve blood sugar balance

·         Papaya leaves are often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural therapy to treat diabetes and improve blood sugar control.

·         Studies in rats with diabetes have found papaya leaf extract to have potent antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering effects. This is due to the ability of papaya leaves to protect insulin-producing cells in the pancreas from damage and premature death.

·         However, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that the same or similar effects may occur in humans.

·         More research is needed to determine whether papaya leaf can be used to help manage high blood sugar levels in humans.

4. May have anti-inflammatory effects

·         Various papaya leaf preparations are often used to treat various internal and external inflammatory conditions, including skin rashes, muscle aches, and joint pain.

·         Papaya leaves contain a variety of nutrients and plant compounds with potential anti-inflammatory benefits, such as papain, flavonoids and vitamin E.

·         One study found that papaya leaf extract significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the feet of mice with arthritis

·         However, no human studies have confirmed these results.

·         So, currently there is insufficient scientific evidence to determine whether papaya leaf can treat acute or chronic inflammation in humans.

 

5. Can support hair growth

·         Topical application of papaya leaf masks and juice is often used to promote hair growth and scalp health, but evidence to support their efficacy for this purpose is very limited.

·         Several studies have shown that high levels of oxidative stress in the body can cause hair loss. Eating antioxidant-rich foods can help relieve oxidative stress and further promote hair growth.

·         Papaya leaves contain several compounds with antioxidant properties, such as flavonoids and vitamin E

·         Proponents of using papaya leaves to promote hair growth often cite its rich antioxidant content. However, there is no significant evidence that topical application of papaya leaves can benefit the hair growth process.

·         Certain types of dandruff are caused by an overgrowth of a fungus called Malassezia, which can inhibit hair growth.

·         Papaya leaves have demonstrated antifungal properties in test-tube studies, so it is often thought to support hair and scalp health by inhibiting the growth of dandruff-causing fungi.

·         However, papaya leaf has not been tested specifically against Malassezia, so there is no guarantee it will have a beneficial effect.

 

6. May promote healthy skin

·         Papaya leaves are often taken orally or applied topically as a way to keep skin soft, clean, and looking youthful.

·         The protein-dissolving enzyme in papaya leaves called papain can be used topically as an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and potentially reduce the occurrence of clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and acne.

·         Additionally, papaya leaf enzymes have been used to speed wound healing, and one study found that they minimized the appearance of scar tissue in rabbits.

 

7. May have anticancer properties

·         Papaya leaves have been used in traditional medicinal practices to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, but modern research is lacking.

·         Papaya leaf extract has shown a strong ability to inhibit the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in test-tube studies, but neither animal nor human trials have replicated these results.

·         Although consuming papaya leaves and other antioxidant-rich foods may play a role in cancer prevention, they have not been shown to have healing abilities.