No Scientific Proof That Herbs Such as Papaya Leaves can Cure Dengue: AIIMS

Few days back yoga guru Ramdev Baba advocated the use of herbs like giloy, aloe vera and papaya leaves to cure dengue. However, experts at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) suggested that there was no scientific proof that herbs help fight dengue and advised people not to fall for the propaganda in this regard. Medical experts from India's apex health institution said, "We never prescribe herbs during dengue as there was no scientific evidence or research to prove that herbs were beneficial in curing dengue."

Dr. S.K. Sharma, head of the medicine department at the AIIMS said, "We don't recommend these 'herbal cures' like aloe vera, papaya leaves 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 that these herbs and fruits can be effective in the treatment of dengue. Even if such herbs increase blood platelets, that was not the reason to conclude that it can also cure dengue."

Dr. Sharma further added, "If the intake of these herbs 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 use in treatment of dengue."

Dr. Anil Goswami, assistant professor at the Center for Community Medicine at AIIMS, urged people not to panic, saying 99% of dengue cases were preventable and manageable at home and do not require admission. He said, "Fatality rate in dengue cases is just 0.3% and 99% of patients can be cured with proper treatment and care at home."

The number of dengue cases in Delhi has gone over 3,000.

Source-IANS