Cancer and Papaya Leaf Extract, Cancer Prevention, Foods, Fruit, Papaya Leaf Extract

A Good Choice

These are very positive research results that suggest possible anti-cancer benefits of a papaya leaf extract. While this study was not dedicated to just breast cancer, parts of the study were done using breast cancer cells and the anti-tumor effects were noted in these cells as well as the other types of cancer cells. Overall, this study suggests that a papaya leaf extract inhibits breast cancer cell growth and alters the immune system in an anti-cancer direction. Additional research will need to be done to determine the active component(s) of the papaya leaf extract, to discover how it functions in breast cancer cells, and to determine if these benefits translate to people. Nonetheless, this study showed good initial results and makes a great starting point to further examine the benefits of papaya for breast cancer. Since it is unknown what the active component was in this study, it is also unknown if the active ingredient is present in the papaya fruit as well. However, the papaya is an excellent food choice as it is very low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium and is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate.