TOPIC:

I was diagnosed with ITP in '96, had my spleen out in '97, no effect. Took countless amounts of different meds, prednisone, anabolic steroids, many other pills, no effect (other than nasty side effects from the pred & steroids). IViG is the only thing that boosts my platelets. I used to go in once every couple of months when my platelets were less than 20, and the IGG would boost it up to over 400k. That was about 7-10 years ago.

Nowadays, they had found an accessory spleen (apparently not too uncommon), they tried to take it out in 2001, they were unsuccessful. I waited for the re-attempt while taking IViG shots all along. Finally in June of 2011 (yes 10 years), they attempted to remove the accessory spleen and were finally successful. Unfortunately it has done nothing to help my ITP. And now, I go in for IViG every 2 weeks. My platelets are anywhere between 10-15 when I get my shot and the shot doesn't even put me up to 100k anymore (usually around 90k) and whatever I do get from the shot is gone in a matter of days. They (my docs) are still hoping that my body 'kicks in' from the second splenectomy, but I'm not quite as hopeful and really don't want to go through the whole steroid route again.

So, after doing some reading on this site, I recently ordered Papaya Leaf Extract from Australia (I'm in Canada), and it arrived today. I got one bottle of the liquid form and a bottle of 60 pills. I would like to know what you all think is the proper dosage. I was thinking of 2 tablespoons of liquid with 1 pill for now and see how that goes. Any suggestions?

Also, I know that many of you like to follow platelet counts, so I will keep a log on this topic of what's happening. As a matter of fact, I am going to go in right now to the hospital so that I know my counts before starting to use the PLE, I will share everything with you all.

Here's hoping...

I used some papaya leaf extract for my son in the very beginning. What you are considering is WAY too much!! Generally speaking you will use a number of drops, not tbls or tsps. Hopefully others will chime in since my son was light in weight it would be different for a child. Honestly, at this point, I don't even remember exactly how much it was. I'm thinking 5 drops in water???? But it's been over a year and I only used it a short time. But do NOT use 2 tbls!! This is something you would take at least twice a day for an extended period of time. Not once and be done with it. It's possible what you're using is different then what we have but what we have came in a small dropper bottle.

What could happen if he uses the too large dose? What are the risks of overdose with papaya leaf extract?
Erica

Papaya Uses & Benefits :


Papaya contains digestive enzymes

Papaya fruit offers not only the luscious taste but is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins, folate and pantothenic acid; and the minerals, potassium and magnesium; and fiber. Together, these nutrients promote the health of the cardiovascular system and also provide protection against colon cancer. The fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes including papain, which is used like bromelain, a similar enzyme found in pineapple, to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies. The milk like juice from unripe fruit called latex, contains the most concentration of papain, enough some people say to remove freckles.

Papaya leaf is used in herbal medicine to remove intestinal worms. Papaya leaf has less of the protein-dissolving papain than the fruit, so it is less likely to "dissolve" the worms, but it contains tannins that the fruit does not. These tannins protect the intestine from reinfection by "tanning" proteins in the lining of the intestinal wall so that worms cannot attach themselves. Mountain Rose Herbs (2008-06-23)

Papaya How to Use Papaya - for :Proteolytic enzymes -
The papaya fruit is valued for its proteolytic enzymes, that help digest proteins.

Papya - for :Intestinal worms, vermafuge -
Proteolytic enzymes in papaya work to remove intestinal worms and other parasites. The primary use of papaya leaf is that of a vermifuge, it contains tannins that the fruit does not, helping to protect against reinfection.

Papaya Side Effects:
Not for long term use - can have a strong laxative effect. The papaya fruit, seeds, latex, and leaves contain carpaine, an anthelmintic (antiparasitic) alkaloid which could be dangerous in high doses.


Generally speaking, I have no issue with papaya. But like everything, you do have to use it correctly. My carica papaya says 5 drops in water daily. Mine is a mother tincture. So, depending on strength and form of the enzyme (capsules vs. liquids, etc.) would depend on how it gets taken. Because it is anti-parasitic, it does bode the question, could the immune system be responding to an overrun of parasites in ITP? It might be possible that this works for some people because it actually kills parasites they have and thus frees up the immune system to function as it should. Just a thought. Totally nothing to back it up. Just tossing out ideas because this seems to work for some but not others and that might potentially be why. Parasites DO damage the immune system so I *could* see where it might make a difference.

Totally for using it, just making sure you verify dosing for effectiveness.

That would make an interesting study Patty

It not that conventionl medicine don't work but it aint getting to the real cause so be ineffective.

If other medicine such like my papaya leaf is working and its prime purpose is to kill parasites. Like you say for those people where it is working perhaps it is the parasites etc that it is killing and hence platelet count starts to go up.

It is where I wish medical doctors and other sources could meet each other half way. Lots of money being miss-spent on the usual treatment that does no good because it not reaching the real cause. The real cause is being met by natural treatments. I wonder how many posters who claim that my papaya have worked feel comfortable that the low platelet count could be due to parasites if the convential medicine is not working on them. It could be that as Patty has suggested they have found the right treatment and the cause. Does anyone from convential medicine see any of this or receive referrals for links to be made. Though they will know about parasites since it already listed but to make my payapa a convential medicine so that it can be taken with side effects known about and responded to as and when as of convential medicine...? It could well be an appropriate medicine for many because of the real cause....
?
Interesting thought Patty

I think you'd know if you had worms, Rhiannon, and would have treated it by now! I shouldn't worry about it.

Not necessarily, Ann. A lot of times people have low lying parasite infections that don't show themselves until they get out of control. I've treated myself twice and both times had no symptoms but clearly had them upon treating. That is a realm that almost all ND's will look at because most people have them at some point in their lives. Some naturally get rid of them, some do not. Immune system susceptability is always the factor.

Hello everyone!
I see a lot of you trying to get papaya leaves,well here in Puerto Rico we are rich then,it's everywhere,find people who are from the island ,they could get you as many as you need probably free of cost..I would love to help but I would go nuts with everybody trying to get some,right now I have about 4 Papaya tree's that i'm cutting them down because are old and not giving enough fruit's..Never used it for my ITP..lol..Good luck..last count 367K.

Ann
I wasn't questioning whether I had worms or parasites or not - though it could/should be a question for any of us who have reoccuring ITP in reality?

I was questioning or stating the interesting in a real scientific study with regards parasites/worms being a direct route cause of ITP in some people. Where scientific medicine has failed could it be possible that it is because parasites etc are the cause of ITP. And need other treatments such as Papaya leaf extract. Thousand of punds/dollars per year being spent on patients that are ineffective because not reaching the real cause.

True it is one of my daymares if ever had tape worm having learned about them in my youth. One would think docs would know by now if had a tape worm and I personally knew someone who did. Naturally I did not tell her it was one of my daymares. I personally would rather have cancer than a tape worm. But there again fears are irrational are they not.

But parasites etc. Well Ann, Do you personally know how do we tell if we have them inside us? I don't for one having never really gone into that realm. I wouldn't know the signs and symptoms and western Docs probably don't consider it a pausibility if we are normally healthy etc. For all I know my regular penicilllan could be killing off majority of the parasites as this is the first time I have had ITP since being put on penicillin. (discounting last year drop of 37 because in a way I count it all as the same episode stangely enough)

I am a person who is all for scientific approach to medicine but I do see the value in natural methods where possible and where it is kinder for the body. i.e. when we feel blood sugar dropping when walking some advise a mars bar. Far kinder to the body to have a banana as the sugar level last longer. Similar with medicine. And am a firm believer in people helping themselves. Trouble is, as I read stuff on here people do not seem to realise there is consequences and side effects to any medicine whether natural or scientific. The only difference with scientific is that the docs have a starting point when do have side effects. Don't mean to say they can cure the side effect. Just that they have a starting point.

But I really do wish that the medicinal world would meet up with natural treatments and people trying to do something about it themselves a whole lot more because we indeed have wasted thousands of pounds on scientific medicine when a much cheaper bottle of papaya might just do the trick. One day we will be given safe instructions and be taking this medicine as naturally as we take penicillin - remembering how that started out....

No it aint always so obvious Ann, whether one has parasites or worms or indeed something that no one has has discovered a name for yet. 50% of cases may be obvious but when been a patient as long as I have and remembering my consultant checked my blood film simply routine, not given it a second thought it could be possible my spleen had regrown as he puts it, was totally amazed when he discovered indeed that he had. An experienced heamo at that.... It be quite easy for him and others not to see something that is happening inside us.

Not saying I'm into it or anything, but check this out (it is scientific research!):

Worm Cure for Multiple Sclerosis other autoimmune

There has been a lot of research into parasitic worms as a cure for autoimmune and allergic disorders. The idea is that the worms have evolved to survive in its host by calming the host's immune system....

Here's the link: autoimmunenews.blogspot.com/2009/03/worm-cure-for-multiple-sclerosis-other.html

ooops I forgot to say that in UK a visit to the GP and prescribed drugs are free (those not on benefit pay prescription charges). Natural remedies cost and seeing a practioner costs and as I am on benefit in reality I cannot afford to see a practioner where I have to pay. Yes, it may be sad but it all boils down to money for me. If I could go and see someone free and get tested and recognised treatment for free then I would go. I would need to know where I stand though with some treatments with not having a spleen and at the end of the day its Medical medicine and doctors that pick up the mistakes of alternative treatment when it has gone wrong in us because it isn't properly understood by everyone.

Am all for people using natural treatment methods so long as they understand where they are at with it. It not as simple as buying something online and using it with dedication. What are the pro's and cons' of using it or abusing it. I know people are only looking after their best interests. But at the end when they have to use the medicine routes anyways it can be a drain on services because still got to go to them for blood tests and see the consultants. Yes its 50/50 though am all for people who maturally seek natural treatments through other sources without using medicinal world at all.... Though as I do say am all for people helping themselves as many a time it has been down to the individual patient and their hard work of researching that the doc has made a breakthrough in treating them. Some docs really do listen to patients who try....
Am just worried about the people who think it is a game using natural treatment methods and think it will not do them any damage or side effects. Everything has side effects, even coffee and tea :-}

Sorry for the delay in updating my sitch, shan't happen again.

Ok, so I got my PLE, and I ck'd my counts that day, I was sitting at 13. I took your guys' advice and instead of 2 tbls & 1 pill, I decided to go with 3/4 tbls on an empty stomach, and then 1 pill when eating. I did this for 4 days and was scheduled for my IvIg, so I ck'd my counts again just before my shot, surprisingly, I was at 18 an improvement of 5. Nothing to write home about and it COULD have been a regular flucuation, but positive nonetheless.

So, I continued with the same dose, (I think I may have missed 1 pill in there), and got my blood checked 5 days later. This is the Friday after my shot, usually I'm anywhere from 83-88 on that particular day, I was at 93. Again, not a substantial improvement, but a slight improvement nonetheless.

I have been going for another week and will ck my counts again probably either tomorrow of Friday again and will keep you all posted.

Just checking to find out if you are still taking the Papaya Leaf Extract and what are your platelets doing now? Very interested in taking the papaya Leaf extract myself.

Im interested in this as well... Pls report back.

I am wondering the same thing (parasites leading to ITP). I sent off for a comprehensive stool analysis from parasitetesting.com. $165. They check your sample and determine a whole range of parasites-including an overgrowth of yeast (Candida) which I have a sneaky suspicion I may have.

I will definately look into the papaya leaf extract.. Thanks for sharing!

Going in for my second round of IviG tommorrow. Platelets at 20.

Heather

Hi, I have just received my papaya leaf extract - ordered it after reading all the good things everyone had to say on here about it... Just wondering how long it took you all to see results? My platelets are currently 1 and my doc wants me to have a splenectomy but i'm fighting against it. I have had platelets under 5 for about 3months with no bleeding (thankfully) but can't continue this way forever. Am hoping the papaya will boost them even a little, I would love to get above 10!! Thanks

emoon:
Please keep us informed as to your platelet counts. Would like to know if the papaya leaf extract brings your platelets up.

I have been taking papaya leaf extract since Nov. 29th. My platelets were at 8 on Dec. 15th. On Jan. 11, they were at 22. On Jan. 18th, dropped to 8 and have been 7 or 8 for past 2 months. On Feb. 22nd, the were 7 and two days later, they were 20. Today at 7.

The lowest my platelet count has been since diagnosed with I.T.P. in past l yr 10 mos is 6. I had lots of bruising at that time.

I have small amount of bruising and lots of red dots on legs lately. The papaya leaf extract my be helping a little, but definately not bringing the platelet count up to a sufficient level.

Carpain, a fat soluble constituent of papaya leaf which is a powerful anthelmintic (vermifuge)is present in the extracts or the teas only in very small doses, if at all, because the extracts, and of course the teas, extract only the water soluble components, not the oil soluble ones. So I wouldn't worry too much about the toxicity of carpain unless you are eating the entire leaf.

Five drops may not be enough. I see everybody is looking at the possibility that papaya leaf may be a vermifuge and therefore the cause of itp might be parasites.Well, maybe in a few cases, but the fact is that papaya leaf provokes a strengthening of the innate immune system. It has many effects in the body, and the shift toward the innate immune system probably facilitates the elimination of parasites, if there are any, but that certainly is not the only beneficial effect of this plant and its immune modulation. You don't have to be so very cautious with papaya leaf water extract, it really is not toxic even in strong doses.

Any more updates from anyone? Thinking of ordering some for my partner.

I did three capsules every day for about six months and it didn't work. I thoughts had a bump from them for one read, but I've never had another rise in numbers, so eventually I stopped that experiment.

It was actually a pretty long time I gave it to work, and with no other treatment. The one "bump" in numbers was following a dexamethisone pulse.

Once it was just papaya leaf, nothing happened.

I'd love to say otherwise, but that's my story.

Laura - You will also find herb and vitamin sellers on here sometimes that post a few times about papaya being a "miracle cure" and then they are suddenly gone. It's really annoying and can get your hopes up. You can spot these people usually by their number of posts and how quickly they will refer you to a website - some do it in their very first post!

Sooooooo - here's my philosophy: try the papaya leaf, if you want. Tell the dr you are getting it for your partner as well. It could work, but don't be sad if it doesn't, and just keep trying different medications until you find something that manages it for you guys. Consider papaya just "another possible help", not a "miracle herb".

Good luck!

Hello,
We work closely with cancer patients. Recently one of the persons has been diagnosed with ALL (a type of leukemia). He is from Bangladesh and being treated in Tata Medical Centre in kolkata, India. His platelet counts goes below 10K. He takes Papaya extract. He prepares in house from fresh leaves. His report shows good increase in the platelets.

This has been tested by some researchers on mice. Any one interested in the article related to this may go through this.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3757281/pdf/apjtb-03-09-720.pdf

My own son was diagnosued ITP when he was 3 year old. Nothing worked.....
Atlast I tried homeopathy and it miraculously worked. And now is for last 12 years he has been perfectly fit. He takes part in karate, swimming, atheletics competitions etc. The medicine given to him was Lechasis 1M. It is unbelieable that all the steroids we could withdraw and stop IGG injections etc in 2 months.
A single dose of Lechasis 1M shot up the counts from 20K to 80K in about two days... truly amazing. And on continuation with that and one more medicine Hemamalis 30, he was totally out of any other medicines.
By gods grace he is a perfect child now.


After going through the article, i found that papaya extract could help generally all platelet deficient people unless they have any other complications..
I hope this message would help some in this forum.

Hi! So I've been taking papaya leaf extract for about a week now. Two weeks ago, I got a blood draw, and my platelets were at 20k. When I went again this week after my one week of taking the extract, my levels were higher at 34k. My platelets have never really gone up on their own without some type of steroid or drug. I hope this isn't too late, and that you still want to consider getting it. So far it has really helped me, and I don't have to go back for another blood draw in 3-4 weeks, which is just after Christmas! Thanks!

aaw7, is a 20 count about your typical count? If so, that is a comparatively high starting / baseline count. It's like the immune system isn't totally dead set on destroying platelets. Unfortunately, we can't ask our immune system what is troubling it.

Besides Papaya leaf there may well be other things that help your specific case too. Some possibilities that come to mind.
- avoid gluten
- vitamin D supplement
- NAC supplement
- anti Candida supplements
- avoid sugar
- Turmeric/Curcumin supplement

As I recall, Papaya leaf is believed to stimulate platelet production - but very weakly. That it's not affecting the immune system in a ITP sense.

Thanks so much! My typical count is about 20k to 50k but I was only diagnosed with ITP about 4 months ago, so its not really a pure typical count, since I haven't been getting consistent blood draws for even 6 months. My cousin does have ITP and has been avoiding gluten recently which has helped him immensely, so I may try that. Thanks again!!

Aaw7, are you still taking the papaya leaf extract? If so, what have your levels been at? My doctor said I could have a go at natural remedies if I wanted to, because she is not recommending regular treatment for me right now. My levels are at 28,000 and have never improved on their own other than my one round of IViG. Just wanted to see if it has been working positively for you still.

Interesting Hal, I might try avoiding sugar (more than usually at least, I don't think I want to cut it out of my diet completely). Shortly before my platelets were low I gained a lot of weight, maybe it has a bit to do with it. And if not it's healthier to be normal weight again regardless.

Did you have a vaccine prior to the low platelets? Vaccines and medications sometimes causes I.T.P. - low platelets

I have been wondering about that... the first time I started showing symptoms of low platelets (also my first blood draw) I had just received a vaccine. I wonder if that was just a coincidence or if the vaccine had something to do with it.

teenwithitp02
Which vaccine did you have?