ABSTRACT

Thrombocytopenia refers to a blood disorder characterized by thrombocytes or platelets

that are present in lower than normal levels (100,000 cells per mm of blood or less) and, low

survival time (1). It is observed in dengue fever, the most implicated condition due to the rising

number of cases worldwide. Several studies have proven the effectivity of C. papaya and E. hirta

in increasing platelet count however, few knowledge have been established to determine the

effectivity of herbal mixtures of C. papaya and E. hirta extracts on platelet count. Twenty seven

male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were utilized and divided into three groups: pretest,

experimental consisting of 100% C. papaya, 100% E. hirta, C. papaya and E. hirta ratio of 75:25,

50:50, 25:75, and the control group. Each rat was given 0.6 ml of the extracts orally for 5

consecutive days, and distilled water for the control group. Blood was withdrawn on the 1st and

6th day and the numbers of platelets were counted in 10 fields or more under oil immersion (x100).

Paired T-test, One-way ANOVA and Post hoc analysis using LSD were used to determine if there

is significant differences between experimental and control groups. The results showed that the

effect of the different mixtures of Papaya and Tawa-tawa extract on platelet count was significant

however, there is no significant difference in the platelet count increase when comparing the

experimental groups. Response additivity approach showed that the drug interaction between

C.papaya and E. hirta extract falls under antagonism.

(1) Patil, S., Shetty, S., Bhide, R., & Narayanan, S. Evaluation of Platelet Augmentation Activity
of Carica papaya Leaf Aqueous Extract in Rats. Journal of Pharmacognosy and
Phytochemistry. 2013; 1 (5), 57-60.