Could Papaya Leaf Extract Help Treat Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia?

Two studies presented at the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting showed how papaya leaf extract could help people with cancer who develop thrombocytopenia during treatment.  Thrombocytopenia happens when there are low platelet counts in the blood. It can be caused by cancer itself or cancer treatment, especially during chemotherapy. 

Thrombocytopenia can lead to symptoms like easy bruising, frequent nosebleeds, or wounds that take longer to heal. It’s a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs because they target fast-dividing cells, including those in the bone marrow where platelets are made.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia doesn’t have an FDA-approved therapy

When thrombocytopenia is caused by chemotherapy, it is called chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia or CIT. In a recent interview, hematologist oncologist Dr. Hanny Al-Samkari emphasized just how widespread this issue is; he and many oncologists see patients with CIT multiple times a day. 

Despite this, there are no FDA-approved therapies specifically designed to treat chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (CIT). One of the challenges of treating CIT is that the therapies available, such as platelet transfusions, can be hard to access, and if available, they only offer short-term relief. 

One medication, romiplostim (Nplate, Amgen), is approved for some types of thrombocytopenia, including CIT. It works by stimulating platelet production. Unfortunately, it does not seem to work as well to treat thrombocytopenia in people with blood cancer. It can also lead to disease progression and make some conditions worse, like acute myeloid leukemia. 

Studying plant-based therapies with the scientific method

Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) comes from the papaya plant. It is an herbal preparation used in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurvedic medicine, or Ayurveda, is a traditional system of medicine that has been practiced for over 3,000 years. Rooted in India, it is based on the belief that health and well-being depend on a balance between the body, mind, and spirit and the environment.

Traditional medicines used around the world are also being studied in clinical trials. These studies can help identify integrative and complementary medicines that can be used alongside cancer treatments. For example, recent research has studied how aromatherapy can help chemotherapy-induced nausea.   

Many medications have their origins in plants. For example, the chemotherapy paclitaxel, which is used to treat breast cancer and other solid tumors, is made from the Pacific yew tree. Though it is less common to discover cancer medications in plants, plant-based therapies are still being studied in clinical trials. 

What are papaya’s properties and why are they being studied?

The papaya plant is known for its nutritional and therapeutic value. It has been traditionally used for various health conditions. A review of studies from major scientific databases found that different parts of the papaya plant, especially the leaf, contain compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and glycosides that contribute to its anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antiviral properties. 

The leaf extract has also shown the ability to raise platelet counts, particularly in people affected by the dengue virus. While these findings support the leaf’s medicinal potential, more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness and guide its use in modern healthcare.

Papaya extract as a low-cost alternative?

Oncologist and Professor, Dr. Vikas Ostwal, and his team investigated its use in 219 patients with solid tumors and CIT. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) or placebo.

The study found that platelet counts recovered faster in patients taking CPLE. By day 4 of treatment, 64% of those on CPLE had recovered compared to 48% in the placebo group. The improvement was seen across different types of chemotherapy and patient characteristics. CPLE was also well tolerated and inexpensive. It only cost $10 for 10 days of treatment.

Based on these results, more research is needed to explore how CPLE performs in blood cancer patients. Understanding how this compound interacts with the body is the first step to ensuring its safety and effectiveness for this population as well. 

A Step Toward Better CIT Management

CIT is a common and challenging issue with limited treatment options. This new data shows how CPLE could help cancer patients with solid tumors and CIT avoid treatment interruptions due to low platelets. Additional research is needed to see how CPLE works for people with blood cancer and CIT.  You can also explore more educational resources at HealthTree to stay informed and engaged in your treatment decisions.

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Sources: 

• Novel Therapeutic Approaches Exhibit Promising Efficacy for Chemotherapy-Induced Thrombocytopenia
• Ayurveda
• Therapeutic application of Carica papaya leaf extract in the management of human diseases