The Science Behind Our Formula
Research & Evidence
We Started With the Plants.
The Science Followed.
HalfMoon Labs does not make medical claims. What we do share openly is the published peer-reviewed research behind our two key ingredients — so you can make an informed decision.
The Research That Informed Our Formula
A study published in the Academic Journals of Pharmacy and Pharmacology investigated the antisickling properties of fermented extracts of Carica papaya (papaya) and Sorghum bicolor. Researchers tested multiple preparation methods including raw, heated, and fermented extracts incubated at varying time periods.
Key Finding from Peer-Reviewed Research
"Extract from materials incubated for 5 days showed the highest antisickling properties — 93% inhibitory and 84% reversal activities among all preparations tested."
Source: Academic Journals of Pharmacy and Pharmacology — in vitro laboratory study. These findings describe laboratory observations on the botanical combination, not clinical outcomes of any specific product. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA.
This research confirmed what traditional West African medicine had suggested for centuries: that these two plants, prepared together and allowed to ferment, have a unique botanical profile of significant scientific interest.
Our formula uses a 5-day fermentation process — matching the preparation method that showed the highest activity in the published research.
Our Two Key Ingredients
🌿 Carica Papaya (Papaya Leaf)
Traditional use: Papaya leaf has been used in wellness practices across Nigeria, Jamaica, Ghana, and other tropical regions for generations — particularly in contexts related to blood and circulatory wellness.
Phytochemical profile: Papaya leaf contains carpaine, pseudocarpaine, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and papain enzyme — constituents of significant interest in botanical research.
Research note: Separate studies on Carica papaya leaf extract applied to blood samples observed a reduction in the percentage of sickled cells — from approximately 91.6% to 47.6% — in laboratory conditions. This is an in vitro finding and does not constitute a medical claim.
🌾 Sorghum Bicolor (Leaf Sheath)
Traditional use: In Yoruba traditional medicine (Nigeria), Sorghum bicolor is historically used as a blood builder and is a key ingredient in traditional sickle cell management preparations. It is the foundational botanical in Niprisan/Nicosan — a phytomedicinal product that has undergone clinical investigation.
Phytochemical profile: Rich in 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (3-DXAs), a unique class of polyphenols with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Also contains apigenin-based flavonoids not found in most other plants.
Research note: Sorghum bicolor extract (Jobelyn) has been the subject of multiple clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01704794, NCT01703104) investigating quality of life and hemoglobin levels in people with sickle cell disease.
Why Fermentation Matters
🌿
Day 1
Fresh papaya leaf and sorghum bicolor combined in purified water
⚗️
Days 2–4
Controlled fermentation — enzymatic transformation of plant compounds
✅
Day 5
Peak activity extract — prepared to order and bottled fresh
Fermentation is not new. It is the same principle behind fermented foods, kefir, kombucha, and traditional herbal tonics that predate modern pharmaceuticals by centuries. In botanical preparations, fermentation breaks down cell walls, increases bioavailability, and — in the case of this specific combination — corresponds to the preparation method showing highest activity in the published research.
A Note on Our Claims
HalfMoon Labs does not claim to treat, cure, or prevent sickle cell disease or any other medical condition. We share the published science so you can evaluate it yourself. Our product is a dietary supplement intended to support general wellness. All supplement use should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.