Hunting for papaya leaves, goat milk? Don’t, say AIIMS docs

Dr Biswas added drop in platelet count was not a factor of worry in dengue cases unless there was active bleeding.

Doctors at AIIMS Wednesday debunked the benefits being attributed to papaya leaves and goat milk in increasing platelet count in dengue patients. Both are apparently much in demand in Delhi.

“We don’t recommend these cures like aloe vera, papaya leaf and goat milk. We would also advise people not to scramble for these as there is no scientific evidence or research based on which it can be conclusively said these herbs and fruits can be effective in the treatment of dengue,” said Dr S K Sharma, head of medicine department at AIIMS. “If the intake of these increased platelets in two or three people, that doesn’t establish their efficacy in the cure of dengue. There has to be a proper controlled trial on their efficacy in treatment of dengue.”

[related-post]

Doctors also said despite the high number of cases, dengue in the national capital could not be said to have reached epidemic stage. Dr Ashutosh Biswas, additional professor of medicine at AIIMS, said, “It has not yet become an epidemic, there is just a surge in cases.”

Dr Biswas added drop in platelet count was not a factor of worry in dengue cases unless there was active bleeding. “There seems to be a lot of panic… platelet transfusion is not required even if the counts are less than 10,000, unless there is active bleeding,” said Dr Biswas. Doctors advised dengue patients to remain hydrated.