Platelet Augmentation Activity of Andrographis Paniculata Extract and Andrographolide against Cyclophosphamide Induced Thrombocytopenia in Rats

Abstract

Objective: Platelet augmentation activity Andrographis paniculata extract (APE) and its active constituent Andrographolide was evaluated in male Sprague-Dawley rats by inducing thrombocytopenia with Cyclophosphamide. Andrographis paniculata is a king of biter plants belongs to the family Acanthaceae. It is traditionally used to cure most of the ailments, especially in India subcontinent for the treatment of dengue fever where the platelet count is less. Methods: The study was performed initially with APE and later with Andrographolide in two different time periods. Thrombocytopenia was induced by subcutaneous injection of Cyclophosphamide at 25mg/kg for 3 days. After 7days, the test groups were treated with APE at a dose of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg and Andrographolide at 3mg/kg and 6mg/kg respectively until 21 days. Results: The results indicated that after treatment with APE significant increase (p≤0.05) in the platelet number (5.73±0.20 to 7.59±0.28; 6.02±0.27 to 8.50±0.18) in a dose dependant manner. Similarly treatment with Andrographolide a significant (P<0.05) increase in the platelet count (4.97±0.27 to 7.24±0.34; 5.03±0.12 to 7.58±0.45) was found. Correspondingly a significant decrease in (p≤0.05) bleeding time and clotting time (p≤0.05) was observed with APE and Andrographolide. Conclusion: The current study supports platelet augmentation activity of A. paniculata and its active constituent Andrographolide which may have beneficial effect in dengue hemorrhagic fever.