Paw paw (Carica papaya) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Central America. In these contexts, various parts of the plant—including the fruit, leaves, and seeds—have been used to manage a range of ailments, including liver disorders such as hepatitis. The traditional justification often stems from observations of paw paw's purported hepatoprotective (liver-protecting), anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. For instance, in some African folk practices, extracts of paw paw leaves are used to "cleanse the liver" and support recovery from jaundice or hepatitis-like symptoms.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. A few animal studies suggest that paw paw leaf or seed extracts may have protective effects against chemically-induced liver damage, potentially due to antioxidant activity. These studies sometimes show improvements in liver enzyme levels or histopathological changes in animals with induced hepatitis. However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking, and there is insufficient evidence to recommend paw paw as a primary or adjunct therapy for hepatitis in clinical practice.

In summary, the use of paw paw for hepatitis is primarily justified by traditional medicine, with only preliminary scientific exploration. Anyone considering its use should do so with caution and under medical supervision, especially since hepatitis can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.