EVALUATION OF CARICA PAPAYA LEAF EXTRACT IN PLATELET PROPAGATION FROM STEM CELLS

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of Carica papaya extract in differentiating stem cells into platelets. Methods: The bioactive compounds of C. papaya leaf extract were screened by biochemical and LCMS-MS methods. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured with and without C. papaya leaf extract and observed for megakaryocyte-mediated platelet differentiation. The microscopy and flow cytometer analysis were performed from day 0 to day 12. Results: The biochemical and LCMS-MS screening of C. papaya leaf extract confirmed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, flavonoids, phlobatanins and anthracyanine. When treated with leaf extract (50µg), the MSCs differentiated into megakaryocytes and platelets. Conclusion: The present study has shown the effect of C. papaya leaf extract in MSCs differentiating into platelets. Since the crude extract of the leaf was used, the bioactive compound(s) responsible for platelet production is yet to be confirmed.