Papaya leaves and other plants may ease sickle cell symptoms
Sunday BY, Terkimbi SD, Ben OM, Bukke SPN, Charles II
Medicinal Plants
The papaya tree in a backyard garden or local market carries leaves that scientists are now studying for their ability to stop red blood cells from collapsing into the sickle shape that causes so much pain and organ damage.
Sickle cell anaemia is a blood disease where red blood cells bend into a stiff sickle shape and get stuck in blood vessels. Researchers pulled together 34 studies from the last 15 years, mostly from Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and found that extracts from plants like papaya, especially their leaves, can keep red blood cells round, mop up damaging oxidants, and protect the cell's outer membrane. Papaya showed up more than any other plant, but scientists say these findings need standardized testing and real clinical trials before they become actual medicine.
Key Findings
34 studies from 2010-2025 were reviewed, with 58.8% published after 2018 and most research coming from Africa (58.8%), especially Nigeria and the DRC
Carica papaya was the most-studied plant (21.2% of studies), with leaves being the most commonly tested plant part (39%)
Inhibition of haemoglobin S polymerisation was the most common mechanism, found in 60.6% of studies, while 41.2% showed strong antisickling activity
chevron_right Technical Summary
A review of 34 studies found that everyday plants like papaya show real promise for treating sickle cell anaemia by stopping red blood cells from deforming, offering a low-cost complement to existing treatments in regions where the disease burden is highest.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
Systematic Review on Plant-Based Therapies for the Management of Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is a hereditary haemoglobin disorder that continues to pose a significant public health burden worldwide. This systematic review aimed to synthesise evidence on plant-deri...
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