By Habeeb Olokooba
Claim: An X user claimed that palm tree leaves can reverse liver damage in just three months, by using two tablespoons of dried powdered leaves as tea twice daily.
Verdict: The claim that palm tree leaves can reverse liver damage is false. No evidence was found in research. A hepatologist also said the leaves cannot be used to treat liver damage.
Full Text
Palm trees, particularly their fruits, have significant health and nutritional benefits. The most widely recognised product derived from palm trees is palm oil, which is rich in vitamins A and E, and known for having antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help reduce oxidative stress, support healthy skin, and strengthen the immune system. The fruits of palm trees, such as dates, are also rich in dietary fibre, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes a healthy gut.
Palm tree products like coconut water and coconut oil have also been associated with health benefits. Coconut water, for example, is a natural hydrator, rich in electrolytes, making it useful for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Coconut oil, when used in moderation, can provide energy due to its medium-chain triglycerides and may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Meanwhile, an X user, Chief Herbalist (insert handle) said that two tablespoons of dried powdered leaves taken as tea daily can reverse liver damage in just three months.
He posted on his personal X account that, “Palm tree leaves can reverse liver damage in just three months,by using two tablespoons of dried powdered leaves as tea twice daily. Nature heals,” the claim reads.
As of Wednesday, November 27, 2024, the post has attracted over 14.6k likes, 5,000 reposts and 1 million views.
Due to its virality and implications of his claim on public health, we decided to verify it.
Verification
Palm leaves are not consumed and are most commonly used for decorative purposes.
The liver is the largest solid organ in the body which removes toxins from the blood supply and performs other vital functions. It is located beneath the left rib cage in the right upper abdomen. Issues related to the liver are called hepatic conditions.
Can liver damage be reversed with palm tree leaves?
To reverse liver damage, one has to remove the cause of the damage. You may be able to reverse non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing your intake of certain foods, including those containing saturated and trans fat, regular exercise and drinking alcohol in moderation may help.
There are many types of liver disease. Some of the most common types are treatable with diet and lifestyle changes, while others may require lifelong medication to manage. If a patient begins treatment early enough, they may prevent permanent damage. However, the symptoms of the damage may not show in the early stages. Late-stage liver disease is more complicated to treat.
A study found that liver damage cannot be reversed with palm trees. The experiment showed that giving palm tree leaves to a rat whose liver was damaged did not heal nor reverse the damage.
According to another research, palm leaves have high antioxidant content as they are rich in beta-carotene and polyphenols. The antioxidant content can help fight free radicals in the human body, which then slows down ageing and prevents chronic health problems but no mention of it reversing reverse liver damage.
Expert Opinion
Speaking with an Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Abbottabad International Medical Institute, Abbottabad in Pakistan, Dr Sultan Zeb Khan, he said that available research data does not provide any evidence that palm tree leaves can reverse liver damage. He confirmed that palm leaves contain antioxidants and have minimal effect on alleviating liver inflammation but no effect on liver fibrosis.
He emphasised that liver damage can start from inflammation, then progress to fibrosis and then cirrhosis. Inflammation can be reversed as long as it is mild to moderate but cirrhosis cannot be reversed with any medications currently available.
“Although Palm tree leaves contain saturated fats and its consumption in high doses can lead to high cholesterol levels. palm tree leaves have antioxidants and reduce inflammation in the liver but no documented evidence exists to support the regular use of Palm tree leaves as tea”, he explained.
Speaking on how to medically treat liver damage, he said liver damage can be prevented.
“If it’s viral hepatitis like hepatitis B and C, then antiviral drugs are given. If it’s due to any toxic substance, the antidote for that substance is used. If it is due to alcohol use, then abstinence from alcohol is recommended.
“Palm tree leaves contain good antioxidants and are effective in certain health conditions like hair fall, rheumatoid arthritis, skin diseases/infections, wound healing, ear infections and as analgesic but its effectiveness in reversing liver damage has not been proven from a medical point of view”, Dr Sultan confirmed.
According to him, after reviewing different research articles, the conclusion drawn is that palm leaves can be used in optimal amounts as liver cleanser but in patients with documented liver damage or diseases like fibrosis and cirrhosis, proper treatment guidelines should be followed and its use should be avoided.
“Palm tree leaves contain saturated fats and its excessive use can lead to hypercholesterolemia, which can further lead to fatty liver and further damage to liver,” he warned.
Conclusion
The claim by an X user that palm tree leaves can reverse liver damage is false. Research and a hepatologist confirmed that the leaves cannot reverse liver damage.