Background of the Study

Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis and thrombosis by

orchestrating the formation of blood clots to prevent excessive bleeding upon

injury. Dysfunctional or decreased platelet count can lead to bleeding disorders,

making it imperative to maintain an adequate number and functionality of

platelets in the circulatory system (Halim, et al., 2016). Herbal remedies have

gained increasing attention due to their potential to modulate platelet function

and aid in the management of various platelet-related disorders.

Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a widely

cultivated and consumed root vegetable recognized for its nutritional and

potential therapeutic properties. Various parts of this plant, including its leaves,

have been traditionally used in ethnomedicine for their diverse medicinal

properties (Naomi et al., 2021). Recent research has shown that Ipomoea

batatas possesses a rich number of phytochemical compounds, including

flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, and saponins, among others

(Department of Pharmacology, Anesthesiology and Therapeutics, 2010).

Given their high yield, resistance to drought, and adaptability to various

climatic conditions and farming practices, sweet potato leaves are regarded as

a type of green leafy vegetable that humans eat. The essential minerals Na,

Mg, P, Ca, and K is present in SPL. (Nguyen HC et al., 2021). Sweet potato

leaves are a versatile leafy vegetable with a remarkable mineral and vitamin

content. They are also high in nutrients. They are a valuable addition to diets

due to their adaptability to various climates and high yield potential. They
provide essential minerals like Na, Mg, P, Ca, and K as well as significant

amounts of vitamins B2, C, E, biotin, and -carotene.

Phytochemicals found in plants have demonstrated diverse biological

activities, and some have been associated with platelet modulation.

Understanding the phytochemical composition of Ipomoea batatas and its

potential effects on platelet augmentation is essential for exploring its

therapeutic potential in managing platelet-related disorders. Previous studies

have shown promising outcomes of herbal extracts in enhancing platelet count

and function. According to the study conducted by Arollado et al (2013), the

green variety of Ipomea batatas has shown a platelet count rise of

(107.8844%), while the violet variety of Ipomea batatas exhibited (106.0711%)

increase of mean platelet counts.

Several studies have shown that Ipomoea batatas (Sweet potato) leaf

extracts induce significant hematopoietic activity. The study conducted by

Albeth MC et al (2016) aimed determine platelet augmentation effects of sweet

potato leaf extracts cyclophosphamide-induced thrombocytopenic rats. The

findings show that after a significant drop in platelets after cyclophosphamide

injections, a rise by 80.07 was noted for the experimental group. But this was

paired with a concomitant increase in platelet counts for the control group

around 68.21% this was achieved through based on dosage and schedules.

However, there is insufficient research investigating the phytochemical

composition and platelet augmentation activity of Ipomoea batatas leaf

decoction on albino rats. Establishing the impact of Ipomoea batatas leaf

decoction on platelet count and function in an animal model is critical for

expanding our understanding of its potential therapeutic benefits. This study

aims to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of Ipomoea batatas

leaf decoction and evaluate its effects on platelet augmentation in albino rats.

The research aims to shed light on the potential use of Ipomoea batatas as a

natural remedy for platelet-related disorders and contribute to the growing body

of knowledge on herbal medicine and its potential applications in healthcare.