The Effect of Papaya Leaf Decoction in Salivary Gland Cancer and Multiple Myeloma patients: A Case Report

Abstract

Cancer is a disease that significantly impacts both the physical and mental well-being of patients. Patients usually seek alternative treatments to complement conventional therapies.           One accessible alternative for patients is herbal remedies, with papaya leaves being a commonly found option known for their medicinal properties. However, there is still limited academic evidence supporting the effectiveness of papaya leaves in cancer treatment. This study aims to describe the effects of papaya leaf decoction using retrospective patient histories, interviews, and laboratory results from patients with salivary gland cancer and multiple myeloma. The salivary gland cancer patient exhibited swelling and a lump on the right side of the face, while the multiple myeloma patient experienced shortness of breath, difficulty breathing and discomfort under the right rib cage. Both patients consumed a self-prepared papaya leaf decoction, drinking one cup three times daily before breakfast, lunch and dinner for over three months. The patient with salivary gland cancer exhibited a slight decrease in the eGFR from 96 to 83 ml/min/1.73m². AST level increased from 34.00 to 39.00 U/L and the platelet count from 280,000 to 301,000 cells/mm³. Additionally, there was an increase in the average quality of life score and the patient’s overall health status. The patient with multiple myeloma showed an improvement in the eGFR from 57.69 to 61.75 ml/min/1.73m². AST level increased from 27.80 to 32.00 U/L, and the platelet count increased from 145,000 to 151,000 cells/mm³. Moreover, the quality of life score and the patient’s overall health status also improved. In conclusion the laboratory results in both patients showed an increase in platelet count and quality of life.