Boosting low platelet count

[MarmiteCLL]

Came across the Himalaya product the other day. Has anyone taken this and if so was it useful? Thanks

[AussieNeil Administrator]

From a check of reputable sources, papaya leaf extract has been shown to boost platelets in animal studies (mice) ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

and in people with dengue fever. As is typically the case with supplements, producers take one positive study in one limited application and promote a product for more general use without specific evidence for that wider use. Note also the paper's warning about the liver toxicity risk in humans, which with the generally unregulated supplements industry has at times caused serious health problems with some herbal products.

I'm aware of people with CLL trying papaya extract to boost their platelet count, but given CLL reduces platelet counts via three different means - bone marrow infiltration reducing production capacity, enlarged spleen filtering out platelets earlier than necessary and autoimmune complications (ITP), whether it works for an individual is likely to depend on the adequacy of their diet and why their platelets are low.

Neil

[MarmiteCLL in reply to AussieNeil]

Thank you for the link and detailed response too. Will research further and review the link. I appreciate your comments.

[seelel]

I have used papaya leaf powder successfully to raise my platelet count on a few occasions.

Others with CLL have done the same successfully.

I did the experiment based on dengue fever research, and it works for me. I'm in W&W with good prognostic markers. I don't know how it works, but neither do the researchers who have used it on dengue fever. They think it may protect the platelets from the dengue virus in the blood.

There is no published information into the use of papaya leaf with CLL.

[MarmiteCLL in reply to seelel]

Thanks. We all find hopeful and supportive help with unregulated drugs and maybe I need to research more but so pleased it worked for you.

[cajunjeff]

Marmite, I am admittedly biased against unregulated supplements, so I do not know how helpful my opinion will be. I do try to keep an open mind so whenever I see posts like yours, I google the product and company to see if there is any science behind their claims.

Neil hit the nail on the head, there is but one clinical study and it alone would not be enough for me to take a sketchy supplement. The main author of the study name comes up when you google the company and there could be a connection there. I have low platelets and have never heard of any qualified Cll doctor prescribing this supplement.

My doctor prescribed folic acid for my low hemoglobin, which was interesting to me because he thinks most supplements are a scam. But if you google folic acid, as I did, there is a great deal of scientific studies supporting it as having some mild benefit with hemoglobin.

I try to be objective. It’s just when you google most of these supplement companies what you find is sketchy testimonials and little science.

If you have a Cll doctor, ask him or her about the product. Most supplement supporters will either not ask their doctors advice on supplements or seek out doctors who have alternative views.

[MarmiteCLL in reply to cajunjeff]

Excellent comment thank you. In UCLH today and will indeed ask the Consultant. Cheers

[Hidden in reply to cajunjeff]

I just wondered how much folic acid you are taking?

Thank you,

Paula

[MarmiteCLL in reply to Hidden]

None at the moment but will ask CLL consultant today about this. Thanks

[MarmiteCLL in reply to MarmiteCLL]

Consultant approved of folic acid, so will try this. Mixed view on the Platenza product but I could try it after seeing how the folic acid has helped. Thanks for all the responses.

[jbctx in reply to Hidden]

FYI only, I am on Doctor prescribed 1mg tablet per day.

[Big_Dee in reply to cajunjeff]

Hello cajunjeff

I also take folic acid per doctor's advise.

[Hidden]

Thank you for your replies. I have been taking Folic Acid for years, My GO told me to take it with my antidepressants

Paula

[NAHT]

Were i can order it?

[MarmiteCLL in reply to NAHT]

The folic acid is available from almost all pharmacies or supermarkets and the platenza was only on eBay but with the shut down in India, this is difficult to get at the moment.

[NAHT]

Thanks