Effects of folk wisdom boiled Herb extract, Phyllanthus amarus Schum&Thorn, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, and pandanus amaryllifolius on neutrophil, red blood cell, and platelet functions

Abstract

Introduction: Hematopoietic cells consist of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Blood cells play the major roles in oxygen transportation, immune system, and hemostasis, respectively. An imbalance of cell function may lead to many diseases such as hemolytic anemia, immunodeficiency, and thrombosis. Folk wisdom boiled herbs, the traditional medicine from Ban Tontakean, Maejai District, Phayao Province, Thailand, have been used for nourishment and hypertension treatments to study the effect on the hematologic system for pharmacological properties.

Objectives: To study the effects of folk wisdom boiled herb, Phyllanthus amarus Schum&Thorn, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, and Pandanus amaryllifolius on neutrophil, red blood cell, and platelet functions.

Materials and methods: Boiled herb extracts of Phyllanthus amarus Schum&Thorn, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, and Pandanus amaryllifolius was used at the final concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 μg/mL. The oxidative stress levels in red blood cells, phagocytic function of neutrophils and platelet function were determined using malondialdehyde assay, phagocytic assay, and platelet aggregation assay, respectively.

Results: All concentrations of boiled herb extracts could significantly inhibited collagen-activated platelet aggregation at p<0.05 when compared to the control. The boiled herb extract (200 and 400 μg/mL) showed significantly increased phagocytic function (p<0.05). However, level of oxidative stress slightly decrease (not significant when compared to the control) after boiled herb extract treatment.

Conclusions: Folk wisdom boiled herb extract, Phyllanthus amarus Schum&Thorn, Phyllanthus acidus (L.) Skeels, and Pandanus amaryllifolius extract could enhance phagocytic cell function and inhibit platelet aggregation.

Bull Chiang Mai Assoc Med Sci 2015; 48(2): 144-153. Doi: 10.14456/jams.2015.10