The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2023; 12(6):358-365 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2023.12602

Research Article

Effects of leaf extracts of Carica papaya L. (Caricaceae) and Vernonia colorata (Willd.) Drake (Asteraceae) on induced thrombocytopenia and increased vascular permeability: an approach to symptomatic treatment of dengue

Moussa Ouedraogo^1,2 , Wendwaoga Arsène Nikiema^1,2 , Bonsdawinde Pagbelguem^1,2 , T. Edwige Delma¹ , Dorcas F. Olusunle¹ , Apoline Sondo^2,3 , R. Armel Flavien Kabore² , Eleonore Kafando^2,4

Moussa Ouedraogo,Wendwaoga Arsène Nikiema,Bonsdawinde Pagbelguem,T. Edwige Delma,Dorcas F. Olusunle,Apoline Sondo,R. Armel Flavien Kabore,Eleonore Kafando

1. Laboratoire de Développement du Médicament, Université Joseph KI Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
2. Unité de Formation et de Recherche, Sciences de la santé Université Joseph KI-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
3. Département de Médecine et Spécialités, Service des maladies infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Yalgado Ouedraogo, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
4. Laboratoire d’hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 14th October, 2023 / Accepted: 15th December, 2023 / Published : 30th December, 2023

Abstract

Background: Dengue fever is a re-emerging threat that can lead to thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) and severe plasma leakage, sometimes fatal. Supportive care is needed in severe cases, as no specific treatment is yet available. In Burkina Faso, the population commonly uses Carica papaya and Vernonia colorata. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Vernonia colorata to Carica papaya in reducing the major symptoms of Dengue fever. Methods: Lyophilized aqueous ethanolic macerations of fresh leaves of the two plants were prepared, and flavonoid contents were visualized by a fingerprint approach. Platelet and lymphocyte count and the amount of dye leaked from the vascular duct were monitored in pharmacologically induced mouse models. The plant extracts were tested at 100 mg/kg bw on carrageenan (100 mg/kg bw) depressed platelet count on day 2 and at 30 and 100 mg/kg bw on acetic acid-induced dye leakage from the vascular duct. Results: The plant extracts at 100 mg/kg bw significantly prevented thrombocytopenia (p?0.05) with an increased platelet count on day 2. The acetic acid-increased vascular permeability was inhibited by over 85% (p?0.001) in animals treated with 30 and 100 mg/kg bw of each lyophilized plant extract. The effect of Vernonia colorata and Carica papaya leaf extracts did not differ statistically on thrombocyte count or in preventing increased vascular permeability. A phytochemical fingerprint allowed the characterization of flavonoids in the two plant extracts. Conclusion: The leaf extract of Vernonia colorata can prevent provoked thrombocytopenia and increased vascular permeability, similar to Carica papaya. Further phytochemical content-based molecular mechanisms are expected.