Papaya leaf juice (papite ke patton ka ras) is widely shared as a home remedy when a dengue patient's platelet count drops. People want to know whether it works and whether it is safe.
Some small studies found that papaya leaf juice or extract made platelet counts rise faster, but the evidence is weak. There is no good evidence that it prevents the dangerous complications of dengue (dengue bukhar). It is not a treatment for dengue, and it must never delay a check-up or blood tests.
Platelets fall in dengue and usually recover on their own as the patient gets better (CDC), so a rise after drinking the juice may have happened anyway. What makes dengue dangerous is plasma leakage, when fluid leaks out of the blood vessels. CDC defines severe dengue by severe plasma leakage, bleeding and organ damage, not by the platelet count. The riskiest period starts when the fever comes down and usually lasts 24 to 48 hours. WHO warns that severe symptoms often appear after the fever has gone, so a falling temperature does not mean the danger is over.
Anyone with suspected dengue should see a general physician. For symptoms, tests and the full list of warning signs, read our dengue guide.
Go to hospital straight away, or call Rescue 1122 or Edhi 115, for severe stomach pain (pait mein shadeed dard), vomiting that won't stop (ulti), fast breathing, bleeding from the gums or nose, extreme thirst, pale and cold skin, or severe weakness (WHO). CDC also lists restlessness and unusual sleepiness as warning signs.
General health information from the DoctorOS Team, not a diagnosis. For advice about your own situation, see a doctor.