Fact-check: Did dandelion leaves with brown leaves of Pawpaw cure Menstrual pain?

Claim:

Boiling dandelion leaves with brown leaves of Pawpaw (papaya) cure Menstrual pain

Verdict: False. There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of boiled dandelion leaves combined with brown leaves of Pawpaw (papaya) to cure menstrual pain.

Full Text:

Despite enhancing pharmaceutical efficiency and the development of effective medication for human health and well-being. Many individuals continue to rely on herbal medicine as an alternative remedy for various ailments.

On 11th Dec. 2024, an X user @ChiefHerbalist claimed that boiling dandelion leaves with brown leaves of Pawpaw (papaya) tagged with a caption that read “ painful menstruation? Worry not!!!, drink one teacupful thrice daily for three days.”

The post has generated over 240k views, over 1,046 reposts, over 12 Quotes, over 3,491 Likes, over 3,072 Bookmarks.

A visit to the comments section revealed that people are interested in using the herb combo.

For example, an X user @scarltambition replied: “The problem is finding these leaves, especially pawpaw. If you have any organic sources please post.” Another X user @lanre4t commented: “ what about seized menstruation? How can it be restored.”

Verification:

Pawpaw leaves contain unique plant compounds that have demonstrated broad pharmacological potential in test-tube and animal studies.

Although human research is lacking, many papaya leaf preparations such as teas, extracts, tablets, and juice are often used to treat illness and promote health in numerous ways.

Healthline mentioned that Papaya leaf contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory effects, but no human studies support its ability to treat inflammatory conditions.

Consuming pawpaw leaves (papaya) have many benefits, including dengue fever, balanced blood sugar, digestive function, anti-inflammatory, healthy skin, hair growth and anticancer properties. Although scientific evidence is insufficient to support the aforementioned.

Furthermore, one of the prominent medical benefits of papaya leaf is its potential to treat certain symptoms associated with dengue fever(dengue fever is a  mosquito borne virus that can be transferred to humans and cause flu- like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes). There is no cure for dengue but several treatments for managing its symptoms, one of which is papaya.

Papaya leaf is often used in Mexican folk medicine as a natural therapy for testing diabetes and improving blood sugar control. Studies in Mice with diabetes have found papaya leaf extract to have potent antioxidant and blood sugar-lowering effects.

Also, papaya leaf teas and extracts are often used as an alternative therapy to alleviate uncomfortable digestive symptoms such as gas, bloating, and heartburn. Papaya leaves contain fiber, a nutrient that supports healthy digestive function and a unique compound called papain (papain is the ability to break down large proteins into easier-to-digest proteins and amino acids). Papain powder sourced from papaya fruit reduced negative digestive symptoms but no scientific studies have specifically evaluated papaya leaf’s ability to treat digestive disturbance.

Likewise, papaya leaves contain various nutrients and plant compounds with potential anti-inflammatory benefits such as vitamin E. One research proves that papaya leaf extract significantly reduced inflammation and swelling in the paws of rats with arthritis. Yet no human studies have confirmed these results.

Papaya leaf has been used in traditional medicine practices to prevent and treat certain types of cancer but modern research is still lacking.

Safety precaution

A 2014 animal study found that papaya leaves had no toxic effects even at very large doses, and human studies have reported very few negative side effects. If someone is allergic to papaya, the person should not consume papaya leaves in any form.

Moreover, if someone is pregnant or breastfeeding, the person should consult a healthcare provider prior to consuming any papaya leaf preparations.

What experts say

In an Interview with Mr. Qudus Olajide, gynecologist at Irrua Specialist Hospital, Irrua, Edo State stated that there is no scientific evidence to back the claim.

According to him, there is a dosage to alleviate dysmenorrhea instead of taking herb remedies.

Speaking to, Dr. Aliyu olaniyi advised

Ladies should consult their doctor if they are suffering from menstrual pain.

“If a lady has menstrual pain, the best thing to do is to go and see a doctor.”

Conclusion:

Asiwaju’s findings show that the claim is false. It is not scientifically proven.