Is It True That Some Herbs Are Effective Against Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Suharno Usman

Master in Nursing Study Program, Universitas Hasanuddin & Sawerigading Nursing Academy, Indonesia

Dr. Suharno Usman, Master in Nursing Study Program, University of Hasanuddin & Sawerigading Nursing Academy, Indonesia.

Keywords: Dengue; Herbs; Carica papaya L; Monascus purpureus; Guajava Psidium

Abstract

Some chemical compounds in plants such as papaya leaves, red yeast rice, dates, etc., are believed to be effective in increasing the number of platelets/thrombocytes in cases of dengue hemorrhagic fever. This literature review aims to determine the level of safety and effectiveness of herbal extracts in increasing platelet counts in patients with dengue fever. The method was done by searching the article database using the Medline search engine, Science direct, Google scholar, ProQuest, PNRI and found relevant articles totaling 11. From the articles examined it was found that: Papaya leaf extract or juice (Carica papaya. L) contains Papaine, Chymopapaine Cystatine, Tocopherol, Ascorbic Acid, and Glucocynoolates and flavonoids function as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor activity and the formation of the immune system. Fermentation of brown rice (Monascus purpureus) contains flavonoids also commonly called isoflavones that functions by inhibiting the activity of the hyaluronidase enzyme in dengue virus. Guava leaf extract (Psidium guajava) contains quercetin flavonoid compounds functioning as anti-dengue and anti-thrombocytopenia by inhibiting mRNA enzyme formation in Dengue virus. Date palm juice containing flavonoid glycosides functions in the formation of platelets in the condition of thrombocytopenia due to heparin administration. Papaya leaf extract or juice, guava leaves, date palm juice and brown rice fermentation (Monascus purpureus) are effective in inhibiting the activity of the hyaluronidase enzyme in dengue virus. Complementary therapy can be combined with the aim of preventing the severity of dengue virus which can lead to hypovolemic shock conditions and thrombocytopenia.

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