# Papaya leaf extract

Source: https://onco.cc/technologies/papaya-leaf-extract/  
OnCo record `papaya-leaf-extract` (Technology). Data CC BY-NC 4.0, attribute "Data from OnCo (onco.cc)"; commercial use needs a licence.

## TL;DR

Papaya leaf tea and extracts are sold to boost immunity and raise platelet counts, and are shared online as a cancer remedy. Studies in dengue fever suggest they may raise platelets, but there are no studies in people with cancer. Short-term use appears safe; long-term use raised concerns in animal studies.

## Summary

Papaya (Carica papaya) leaves are made into teas and supplements marketed to enhance the immune system and improve platelet function. Memorial Sloan Kettering's About Herbs summary reports immune, antioxidant, anticancer and antibacterial effects in vitro, higher platelet counts in animal models, and clinical studies suggesting benefit for platelet counts in dengue fever, with larger studies needed. There are no clinical studies in cancer or in chemotherapy-related low platelets. MSK describes papaya leaf juice and extract as appearing safe for short-term use of less than five days, with mild gut upset and rash reported, and advises caution in pregnancy and liver impairment because of toxicity concerns from long-term animal studies. Preclinical studies suggest possible interactions with diabetes medicines, P-glycoprotein substrates and some antibiotics, of unknown clinical relevance.

## Fields

- Kind: Technology
- Status: concept
- Last checked: 2026-11-04
- Tags: complementary; supportive-care; evidence:insufficient
- Principle: Leaf extracts are thought to act on platelet production through effects on thrombopoietin and membrane stability in animal studies.
- Strengths: Clinical studies of platelet counts in dengue
- Limitations: No studies in cancer; Long-term safety concerns from animal work; Possible interactions

## Sources

- MSK About Herbs: Papaya leaf (page last updated 7 October 2021): https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/papaya-leaf

## Connected records

- technologies: [Dietary supplements during cancer treatment: interactions and harms](https://onco.cc/technologies/dietary-supplements-treatment-interactions/), [Evidence-based integrative oncology](https://onco.cc/technologies/integrative-oncology/), [Moringa (Moringa oleifera)](https://onco.cc/technologies/moringa-oleifera/), [Wheatgrass juice](https://onco.cc/technologies/wheatgrass-juice/)
- fronts: [Supportive Care & Survivorship](https://onco.cc/fronts/supportive-care/)
- terms: [Unproven diet claims (alkaline, juice, 'anti-cancer' diets)](https://onco.cc/terms/unproven-diet-claims/)
- bottlenecks: [Misinformation and unproven therapies](https://onco.cc/bottlenecks/b-misinformation/)

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