Abstract
Objective
One of the most widespread arboviral diseases in the world, dengue virus
disease (DVD) is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions,
affecting 129 countries. The main way that the dengue virus (DENV) spreads
is through the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptomatic
therapy and supportive care are the primary methods of managing patients
with DENV infection as there is currently no approved antiviral medication
for this condition. Since the guidelines from the AYUSH Ministry, Government
of India, recommend 10 ml of carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) twice
daily for seven days, to treat dengue fever clinically, we plan to review
the potential of carica papaya in managing DENV infection.
Methods
Using terms like dengue, dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, dengue shock
syndrome, and carica papaya, the literature was searched in databases
like Medline/PubMed Central/PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, EBSCO,
Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Directory of open access journals (DOAJ),
and reference lists to find articles relevant to the clinical, in-vivo,
in-vitro, and in-silico studies evaluating the efficacy of
carica papaya in the management of dengue viral infection. This
review included English-language publications that supported the use of
carica papaya in the treatment of dengue fever, but it excluded
publications that were duplicates.
Results
Numerous preclinical and clinical investigations, such as in-vitro,
in-vivo, and in-silico studies, have identified carica
papaya's anti-dengue potential. The pleiotropic effects of
carica papaya, including its anti-thrombocytopenic activity,
immunomodulatory effects, and larvicidal property against the Aedes
aegypti mosquito species, have also been confirmed by numerous
in-vitro and in-vivo studies. These effects can help
patients with dengue fever by elevating their platelet count and alleviating
other symptoms.
Conclusion
To hasten recovery and reduce hospital stays, patients with DENV infection
may take carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) in addition to supportive
care and symptomatic treatment. Additional randomized controlled clinical
trials would be necessary to confirm the safety and effectiveness of CPLE in
patients with DENV infection.
Keywords
antiviral drugs - drug research - infectious diseases
