Platelet and Leukocyte Increasing Effects of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) Leaves in a Murine Model

Context: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) is popularly known to have various pharmacological and traditional uses. Prior to this study, there were no claims reporting its potential use for dengue by increasing platelet and leukocyte levels.Objectives: The effects of the methanolic extract of S. cumini leaves on the platelet and leukocyte levels were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats at doses 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg body weight.Methodology: The bioassay utilized 24 rats that were divided into four groups (n=6) where hydroxyurea was used to induce depletion of platelet and and leukocyte levels in all groups. After induction, oral treatment of methanolic extract was given daily to the treatment groups for six days. The platelet and leukocyte counts were measured before induction to get the baseline, after induction, and at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th day of treatment. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was also conducted to identify the phenolic compounds present in the extract.Results: Results revealed that the methanolic extract of S. cumini caused an increase of platelet counts at both 400 and 800 mg/kg and an increase in leukocyte counts at 800 mg/kg. HPLC data identified catechin and rutin at concentrations 759.16 ppm and 142.24 ppm, respectively.Conclusion: S. cumini is a potential candidate for further research leading to the development of an herbal therapeutic agent for dengue.