Berberis aristata Boosts Platelet Count in Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia Model

Background and purpose of the study: This study investigated the effectiveness of Berberis aristata, a medicinal plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, in increasing platelet count in a heparin-induced thrombocytopenia model in rats. Research rationale: Conditions like dengue fever, and certain immunological disorders result in thrombocytopenia. No standard treatment for such conditions is available. The only way of treatment is to increase platelet count naturally with alternative medicines. Therefore, well well-known medicinal plant Berberis aristata and its main constituent berberine are tested for platelet-enhancing potential in this study. Method: Dried stem powder of Berberis aristata was extracted by using methanol and HCl (2:3, v/v) by Soxhlet extractor at 45-50 0C. The crude extract was used to obtain an alkaloidal fraction. Both the crude extract and the alkaloidal fraction were analysed by developing TLC using n-butanol: glacial acetic acid: water (7:2:1, v/v/v) as a solvent system. Platelet-enhancing potential screening was done by administering the crude extract, alkaloidal fraction as well as berberine in rats with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Statistical analysis was applied. Result: The results showed that increase in platelet count in Berberis aristata extract, alkaloidal fraction, and berberine-treated groups as compared to the control group. Conclusion: All the test groups showed significant platelet-enhancing activity in comparison to the control group. Among the entire test groups, the extract of Berberis aristata was found to have the most significant platelet-enhancing potential.