Thrombocytopenia refers to a blood disorder characterized by thrombocytes or platelets that are

present in lower than normal levels (100,000 cells per mm of blood or less) and, low survival time (1). It
is observed in a number of conditions including dengue fever, HIV infection, pregnancy, infections,
malignancies, be drug-induced or idiopathic in nature. Among all these causes, dengue fever is most
implicated due to the rising number of cases worldwide and the problem it presents in terms of
treatment and prevention particularly, the absence of approved vaccine or drug against dengue
virus (3). From these we can deduce that there is an apparent need for the development of
alternative solutions for dengue. The use of alternative medicine more specifically, the use of plant
materials have been a rising trend not only in the Philippines, but worldwide. Plant-derived drugs
and formulations present the benefit of less toxicity and adverse effects while producing a relatively
acceptable efficacy in contrast to their chemical equivalent (3).

(1) Patil, S., Shetty, S., Bhide, R., & Narayanan, S. Evaluation of Platelet Augmentation Activity
of Carica papaya Leaf Aqueous Extract in Rats. Journal of Pharmacognosy and
Phytochemistry. 2013; 1 (5), 57-60.

(2) Hiller E. Bleeding Disorders. In: Munjer R, Hiller E, Glass J, Paquette R, editors. Modern
hematology biology and clinical management. 2 nd ed. New Jersey: Humana Press; 2007.

(3) Yunita, F., Hanani, E., & Kristianto, J. The effect of Carica papaya L. leaves extract capsules
on platelets count and hematocrit level in dengue fever patient. Int. J Med. Arom. Plants.
2012; ISSN 2249-4340 , 2 (4), 573-578.