CARICA PAPAYA IN LIVER DISORDERS: A COMPREHENSIVE SCIENTIFIC AND HOMEOPATHIC REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Liver diseases are a global health challenge with rising incidence due to toxic exposures, viral hepatitis, drug-induced liver injury (DILI), and lifestyle-related conditions such as NAFLD. Natural hepatoprotective agents are increasingly explored for safety and efficacy. Carica papaya—used in Ayurveda, ethnomedicine, and homeopathy—has evidence of hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Objective: To present a comprehensive, structured review of Carica papaya in liver disorders, integrating botanical, phytochemical, pharmacological, pre-clinical, clinical, and homeopathic evidence. Methods: Narrative literature review of peerreviewed experimental studies, human trials, meta-analyses, and homeopathic publications. Results: Preclinical models demonstrate significant hepatoprotection: reduction in ALT/AST/ALP, suppression of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, mitigation of oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and restoration of hepatic architecture. Leaf, seed, latex, and fruit extracts all show therapeutic potential. Human dengue studies confirm immunomodulation and thrombopoietic effects; liver benefits remain secondary observations. Homeopathic mother tincture (Carica papaya Q) shows potential adjunctive value, but controlled liver-focused trials are lacking. Conclusion: Carica papaya is a promising hepatoprotective botanical with mechanistic justification and preliminary clinical relevance. Homeopathic usage is biologically plausible at low potencies, but robust liver-specific evidence is absent. Dedicated clinical research is needed.