Evaluation of antidote potential of methanol leaf extract of Bauhinia monandra on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in mice

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is closely associated with heparin therapy and hematological disorders and other common diseases in patients admitted in the hospital. Globally, thrombocytopenic cases in hospitals leading to 80% of deaths are mainly due to refractory bleeding and lack of availability of platelet concentrates. Currently, chemical compounds for managing thrombocytopenia are needed. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of methanolic leaf extract of Bauhinia monandra as a potential antidote for treating heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). A total of 30 mice were used for the experimental study. The mice were divided into five Groups (I–V) of six mice each. Group I (normal control) was given distilled water only, and Group II (positive control) was given heparin only. Groups III, IV, and V (treatment groups) were given heparin and methanolic leaf extract of B. monandra at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight (b. wt), respectively. Furthermore, blood samples were collected to determine the blood platelet count. Bleeding time and clotting time were also determined. This study showed that the mice in the group treated with methanolic leaf extract of B. monandra at a dose of 400 mg/kg b. wt had significantly (P < 0.05) higher platelet counts (225.10 ± 6.41) than the control groups: normal control (181.90 ± 11.38) and positive control (127.65 ± 5.79). It also significantly decreased the bleeding and clotting time. Acute toxicity test showed no significant physical and behavioral changes. The results from this study show that leaf methanolic extract of B. monandra is effective as an antidote for treating HIT.

Keywords

• phytochemicals
• bauhinia monandra
• thrombocytopenia
• antidote