Platelet augmentation activity of Pellionia heyneana Wedd. leaf ethanolic extract on cyclophosphamide induced thrombocytopenic Wistar rats

Abstract

The plant Pellionia heyneana Wedd. is used by the Cholanaikan tribes in their traditional practices to increase general health, immunity and to treat various liver ailments. In the present study, platelet augmentation activity of the plant in cyclophosphamide induced thrombocytopenic Wistar rats was scientifically evaluated. The results revealed that pre-treatment with P. heyneana leaf ethanolic extract (PHLE) significantly ameliorated the myelosuppression in cyclophosphamide induced thrombocytopenic rats by the significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase the RBCs, WBCs and platelet count compared to cyclophosphamide alone treated group. The significant decrease in clotting time, prothrombin times and activated partial thromboplastin time were observed in PHLE treated group compared to the toxin group also supports the platelet augmentation activity of P. heyneana. The reported hepatoprotective activity and the present finding on platelet augmentation activity of P. heyneana may together contribute towards the development of a potent drug for treating thrombocytopenia in chronic liver patients by stimulating platelet production via. targeting thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor mediated pathways.