In-Vitro Effect of Serpentina (Rauwolfia serpentina) and Papaya (Carica papaya) Leaves Extract on Thrombocytopenic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

There are blood disorders that can lead to the weakening of immune system and even to death, which can be a great threat for blood cell diseases specifically for a thrombocytopenic person, someone who suffers from below-normal number of thrombocytes. This study is significant to thrombocytopenic patients because both Serpentina and Papaya leaves have an in vitro effect such as increasing of thrombocytes and lessens thrombocytopenia cases coupled with it, such that they can be an alternative medicine for these cases.

METHODS

The experimental method was used by the researcher with five thrombocytopenic rabbits and five for the control group. The initial and final blood extraction of the rabbits were conducted at 709 A. Bonifacio, Cainta, 1900 Rizal in St. Francis Generic Drug with the supervision of a registered nurse while, the initial and final complete blood count results were undertaken at AccuCell Diagnostic Center at Femar, Room 219-221, street, Barangay, M. L. Quezon Ave, Antipolo, Rizal. Initial CBC was taken first then, extract with 0.5 mL were introduced and treated through the marginal ear veins of the rabbits and observed. CBC results were taken after 24 hours of observation. These processes were done for four consecutive weeks.

RESULTS

The average initial number of platelets was 78, and the average final number of platelets for four succeeding weeks after treating extract to the rabbits was 102. There was a difference of 24 thrombocytes between the average initial number of platelets and the average final number of thrombocytes.

DISCUSSIONS

The thrombocytopenic rabbits increased their thrombocytes with the use of Serpentina and Papaya leaves extract; and based on phytochemical analyses, both have phytochemical component, while Tannins has been reported to have other physiological effects, such as to accelerate blood clotting. The study indicates that Rauwolfia serpentina and Carica papaya leaves extract effectively promote an increase in thrombocyte count and therefore a decrease in thrombocytopenia cases. Serpentina and Papaya leaves, which are widely available within the researcher's locality, were generally found helpful as alternative medicine. These plants help thrombocytopenic patients normalize their blood platelet counts and serve as a treatment to recover them from their conditions. The extracts can contribute largely to the medical field biology and pharmacology as alternative medicines.