CARICA PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACT: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND ROLE IN THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Carica papaya L. (family Caricaceae) is a tropical fruit plant whose leaves, fruit, seeds and latex have long been used as food and folk medicine. In recent years, the leaf has gained wide public attention because of its popular use for raising low platelet counts during dengue fever. This review summarises the botanical features, phytochemistry and pharmacological profile of papaya, with special emphasis on the role of its leaf extract in thrombocytopenia. The leaf contains piperidine alkaloids such as carpaine, along with flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, tannins and glycosides, whereas the fruit is rich in carotenoids and vitamins, the seed in isothiocyanate precursors and the latex in proteolytic enzymes. Laboratory and human reports suggest that the leaf extract supports platelet recovery, which may be linked to protection of blood cells, antiviral action and control of inflammatory mediators. Additional activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial and antiplasmodial effects have also been described. Toxicity studies in rodents indicate a favourable safety margin at the doses tested. Overall, papaya leaf extract is a promising supportive herbal option, but standardised preparations and well-designed studies are still needed.