Abstract

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection characterized by symptoms and pathological conditions such as fever, thrombocytopenia, vascular leakage, and hepatic damage. A comprehensive and holistic approach is essential to manage these conditions associated with dengue effectively. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy of HPH-031508PP, an herbal formulation, in the treatment of complications associated with dengue. This study was performed on Wistar rats. Cyclophosphamide was used to induce thrombocytopenia in rats; lipopolysaccharide was used to induce microvascular leakage; pyrexia was induced using Brewer’s yeast; and hepatic damage was induced using carbon tetrachloride. The rats were administered HPH-031508PP at 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight. Treatment with HPH-031508PP helped in increasing platelet count (reversing thrombocytopenia); reducing peripheral platelet destruction; enhancing the host immune response; protecting vital organs by decreasing microvascular permeability; safeguarding hepatic function; and regulating fever. The study results showed that HPH-031508PP has the potential to ameliorate complications associated with dengue. HPH-031508PP, a polyherbal formulation, comprises hydroalcoholic extracts of Carica papaya L. leaves, Phyllanthus maderaspatensis L. whole plant, Tinospora cordifolia stem, and Piper nigrum L. fruit. Herbal ingredients present in HPH-031508PP synergistically exhibit antiplatelet, anti-dengue, antipyretic, antiviral, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are in turn needed to treat complications associated with dengue.

Key words: Carica papaya, thrombocytopenia, microvascular leakage, dengue