Papaya leaves extract and fruit pulp emerging as a broad-spectrum antiviral

Herbs And Phytochemicals: A Promising Natural Solution for Viral Infections
A recent study dives deep into the antiviral potential of the leaves and fruit pulp of the Carica papaya - commonly known as papaya - as a natural remedy for human viral infections. Researchers from Pakistan’s National University of Sciences and Technology, Abdul Wali Khan University, and Atta-ur-Rehman School of Applied Biosciences have compiled evidence on how various parts of the papaya plant, such as leaves, fruit, and bark, might be used to tackle some of the most challenging viral diseases like dengue, Zika, HIV, and even COVID-19.


Papaya leaves extract and fruit pulp emerging as a broad-spectrum antiviral

This Herbs And Phytochemicals news report highlights that while synthetic drugs for viral infections can be costly, have side effects, and lead to resistance, natural alternatives such as papaya extract could offer a safer, cost-effective solution.
 
Through extensive analysis, the study offers insights into papaya’s potential, its chemical properties, and mechanisms that may inhibit virus replication. Although most studies so far have been lab-based, the findings indicate a promising future for papaya-derived treatments in combating various human viruses.
 
What Makes Papaya a Potential Antiviral Agent?
Papaya is known for its rich nutritional profile, loaded with vitamins C, A, and E, minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc, and digestive enzymes such as papain and chymopapain. These enzymes not only support digestion but also demonstrate therapeutic properties such as wound healing, inflammation reduction, and cardiovascular health support.
 
Moreover, papaya's chemical compounds, including flavonoids and saponins, have been linked to antiviral properties against several viruses, with a specific focus on the dengue virus.
 
Researchers explored 15 studies to examine papaya’s antiviral properties against various human viruses. Of these studies, seven (46.7%) showed significant activity against dengue, with one showing moderate effectiveness against dengue serotype-2, while two indicated no anti-dengue effects. Additionally, papaya showed antiviral potential against SARS-CoV-2, with two studies (13.3%) demonstrating strong activity. Inhibition of chikungunya, HIV, and Zika viruses was also noted.
 
Key Findings from the Study
The study’s findings showcase the impressive breadth of papaya’s antiviral abilities. Here’s a breakdown:
 
-Dengue Virus
Over two-thirds of the research focused on dengue virus, especially the DENV-2 serotype. Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) showed significant activity in preventing dengue replication by targeting specific proteins crucial for viral replication.
 
In one clinical trial, papaya leaf tablets known as Caripill increased platelet counts and showed potential in accele rating recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia.
 
Some studies found that freeze-dried papaya leaf juice helped clear the non-structural protein NS1, critical for dengue infection, from patients’ systems faster than in untreated patients.
 
-COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)
Extracts from papaya leaves demonstrated notable antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2, particularly through compounds like n-hexane and β-mannofuranoside. These compounds showed strong affinity for the virus’s main proteases, which are essential for viral replication.
 
Computational analyses supported these findings, revealing that several compounds in papaya interact with key viral proteins, offering a potential pathway for treatment.
 
-Zika Virus
Papaya fruit pulp extract inhibited Zika virus infection at its early stages by blocking viral attachment to host cells, a crucial step in the infection process.

Quercetin, a flavonoid in papaya, showed potential in targeting Zika virus’s critical NS2B-NS3 protease, which is necessary for viral replication. This suggests that papaya’s compounds might also be useful in preventing Zika outbreaks.
 
-Chikungunya and HIV
Chikungunya and HIV also responded to papaya extracts in lab tests. For HIV, papaya extracts lowered the replication rate of the virus and reduced oxidative stress in infected cells.
 
Papaya compounds like kaempferol and chymopapain showed promising results in binding to chikungunya virus proteins, hinting at the potential of papaya to inhibit this virus as well.
 
How Papaya Works Against Viruses
Papaya’s antiviral action seems to stem from several unique compounds in its leaves and fruit. The study identified substances like n-hexane, saponins, and flavonoids as key players. These compounds work by interfering with various viral proteins and enzymes required for the virus to replicate and infect host cells. For example:
 
-Flavonoids such as quercetin in papaya showed the ability to block the NS2B-NS3 protease in the dengue virus, inhibiting its replication.
 
-Saponins were effective in binding to viral enzymes that help replicate the virus, thus curbing its spread.
 
-Enzymes like papain aid in immune modulation, potentially helping the body respond more effectively to viral infections.
 
Moreover, papaya extracts have shown low toxicity levels in lab tests, making them a safer alternative to traditional antiviral drugs. This characteristic is especially relevant in managing diseases like COVID-19 and dengue, where treatment options often come with side effects.
 
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Papaya-Based Treatments?
While the research findings are promising, much of the work is still in the early stages, primarily based on in-vitro (lab-based) or computational models. Clinical trials on humans remain limited. Researchers emphasize the need for additional in-vivo studies (experiments in living organisms) and more clinical trials to validate papaya’s effectiveness and safety for human use against viruses.
 
The findings suggest that papaya could potentially be developed into an antiviral treatment, especially for regions where viruses like dengue and Zika are endemic. However, the research community must first overcome significant hurdles, including refining extraction methods, determining optimal dosages, and ensuring consistent results across different studies.
 
Conclusions and Implications for Future Research
This study highlights papaya’s potential as a multi-target antiviral treatment, thanks to its rich mix of bioactive compounds. As viruses continue to mutate and develop resistance to conventional drugs, natural treatments like papaya could be an invaluable alternative.
 
Given its natural antiviral properties, affordability, and low toxicity, papaya could offer a feasible solution for communities with limited access to conventional treatments, particularly for dengue and Zika outbreaks. However, a stronger evidence base from clinical trials is essential to confirm papaya’s effectiveness and pave the way for it to be used alongside or as an alternative to current antiviral therapies.
 
In summary, papaya shows potential as a natural antiviral, and ongoing research could soon make it an important tool in fighting viral infections. As further studies validate these findings, papaya-based treatments might become a staple in natural health solutions, especially in areas where virus outbreaks are frequent and challenging to control.
 
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Heliyon.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024156666
 
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/singapore-led-study-finds-papaya-leaf-extract-effective-against-coronaviruses-and-inflammation
 
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/thailand-medical-thailand-s-deputy-prime-minister-attacked-for-claims-that-drinking-tea-made-from-papaya-leaves-cures-cancer