Texas Study Finds That Herbal Remedies Show Promise in Managing Immune Thrombocytopenia
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 03, 2025 1 month, 1 day, 8 hours, 18 minutes ago
Medical News: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), formerly known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, is a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, the blood components responsible for clotting. This can lead to excessive bruising, prolonged bleeding, and even life-threatening complications in severe cases. Conventional treatments include medications like corticosteroids and procedures such as splenectomy. However, these are not always effective and can come with significant side effects.
Texas Study Finds That Herbal Remedies Show Promise in Managing Immune Thrombocytopenia
Image: The Papaya Plant
Researchers from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley-USA have recently reviewed the potential of plant-based extracts as alternative treatments for ITP. This
Medical News report explores their findings and implications for patients seeking less invasive and more affordable options.
Why Herbal Extracts Are Being Explored
For centuries, traditional medicine systems across Asia and Africa have used plant-based remedies for various ailments. These remedies are often praised for their accessibility and affordability. In the context of ITP, researchers have focused on compounds from plants like Carica papaya (papaya), Euphorbia hirta, and others that have shown promising effects on platelet production and stabilization.
The reviewed study emphasized that herbal remedies might offer a solution for patients who do not respond well to standard treatments or cannot afford them. These natural compounds could serve as standalone therapies or work alongside conventional options to improve outcomes.
Key Findings on Herbal Extracts
-Carica Papaya Leaf Extract
Papaya leaf extract is one of the most studied remedies for platelet enhancement. The researchers cited several studies where this extract improved platelet counts significantly. For example, patients with chronic ITP experienced remarkable increases in platelet numbers when treated with papaya leaf extract alongside conventional therapies like prednisone.
The extract appears to promote platelet production through its bioactive compounds, such as papain, which stimulates the release of cytokines like IL-6, critical for megakaryocyte activity - the cells responsible for producing platelets.
Other Promising Herbal Extracts
-Euphorbia hirta: Known as "Tawa-Tawa" in the Philippines, this plant has shown potential in managing dengue-related thrombocytopenia. Its flavonoids and triterpenes are believed to enhance platelet production and reduce inflammation.
Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato): Rich in flavonoids and tannins, sweet potato leaves have demonstrated antioxidant properties that protect platelet cells and support their formation.
-Alternanthera sessilis:
This pl
ant is valued for its oleanolic acid content, which stimulates the production of thrombopoietin, a hormone essential for platelet production.
Challenges and Limitations
While the findings are promising, the researchers acknowledged several challenges. Most of the studies were conducted on small groups or animal models, making it difficult to generalize the results to larger populations.
Additionally, variations in how extracts are prepared and dosed could affect their efficacy.
Randomized clinical trials on humans are necessary to confirm these benefits and address safety concerns. For instance, some herbal extracts may interact with medications or cause side effects like gastrointestinal distress or liver toxicity.
Conclusions
Herbal remedies like papaya leaf extract, Euphorbia hirta, and Ipomoea batatas offer a glimpse into a future where ITP treatment is more accessible and holistic. By enhancing platelet production and reducing inflammation, these natural compounds could complement or even replace conventional therapies for certain patients.
However, more extensive and rigorous studies are essential to establish standardized dosing, evaluate long-term effects, and ensure safety. The researchers emphasize the importance of integrating traditional medicine with modern clinical practices to maximize benefits for patients worldwide.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Biosciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0464/4/1/1
For the latest on Immune Thrombocytopenia, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/new-btk-inhibitors-to-prevent-heparin-induced-thrombocytopenia
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/university-of-north-carolina-discovers-that-adenovirus-infections-can-cause-thrombocytopenia-could-new-strains-of-adenovirus-be-at-play
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