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.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to examine the increase of platelets, by conducting a

comprehensive phytochemical analysis of Ipomoea batatas leaf decoction and

investigating its impact on platelet augmentation in albino rats.

Specifically, it seeks to find the answer of the following questions:

1. What is the increase rate of platelets based on the diet scheme that is

provided to the albino rats?

2. What phytochemical compounds are present in Ipomoea batatas leaf

decoction, and how do they contribute to platelet augmentation in

albino rats?

3. Does the frequency of Ipomoea batatas affects the platelet increase in

the albino rats?

Significance of the Study

The findings of this research aim to pave the way for the development

of targeted interventions for bleeding disorders, providing potential

alternatives, particularly in regions where conventional medical resources are

scarce. This research will be extremely beneficial in three ways. First, the

study can help by giving a thorough examination of the phytochemical content

of Ipomoea batatas leaf decoction. Second, studying the effects of Ipomoea

batatas leaf extract on platelet count and function in albino rats can give

information on its potential as a natural platelet augmentation treatment.

Finally, establishing Ipomoea batatas leaf decoction as a viable natural

medicine for improving platelet count and function can help to expand our

understanding of herbal therapies in healthcare. Thus, the researchers

identified certain groups of individuals and institutions that will not only benefit

from the study but may also provide possible solutions to the current issue.

Scientists. This study will help scientists conduct further experiments,

analyze data, and interpret results to understand the phytochemical

composition and platelet augmentation effects of Ipomoea batatas leaf

decoction.

Biochemists. The findings of this study will help biochemists gain a

fundamental knowledge about the potential source of bioactive compounds,

including flavonoids, with purported antiplatelet properties present in Ipomoea

batatas.

Medical Practitioners. This study will help medical practitioners utilize

the research findings to consider Ipomoea batatas leaf decoction as a

potential

supplementary or alternative treatment for conditions related to platelet count

and function.
 Future Researchers. This study will serve as a reference for future

researchers who may provide fundamental knowledge and information

regarding platelet augmentation activity of Ipomea batatas.

Educational Institutions. The outcome of this study will help

educational institutions to gain a better understanding of the platelet

augmentation activity of Ipomea batatas by providing facilities, equipment,

and an environment conducive to conducting the study.

Biologist. This research can be of significance to biologists by offering

insights into the potential biological effects of Ipomoea batatas leaf decoction

on platelet count and function. It may encourage further investigations into the

mechanisms of action and the broader ecological implications of using natural

remedies for health-related conditions.

Scope and Delimitations

This study aims to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of

Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) leaf decoction to identify the bioactive

compounds present. Additionally, it seeks to investigate the potential platelet

augmentation activity of the decoction on albino rats. The phytochemical

analysis will focus on identifying various constituents such as flavonoids,

alkaloids, phenolics, tannins, and other bioactive compounds that may

contribute to the observed effects on platelet count and function.

The study will involve preparing and administering Ipomoea batatas

leaf decoction to a controlled group of albino rats, monitoring their platelet

count and assessing platelet function through appropriate laboratory tests.

The platelet augmentation activity will be evaluated in comparison to a control

group receiving a placebo or standard treatment. The investigation will also

explore potential correlations between the identified phytochemicals and the

observed platelet augmentation effects.

The study is limited to the use of Ipomoea batatas leaves for preparing

the decoction and evaluating its effects on platelet count and function. The

research is specifically focused on albino rats as the animal model to simulate

the potential impact on human platelet activity. The study does not include an

assessment of other parts of the Ipomoea batatas plant or alternative

preparations derived from the plant.

Furthermore, the research does not extend to clinical trials involving

human subjects, and any extrapolations to human applications will be based

on the findings from the albino rat model. The research will be limited to a

defined

timeframe and resources and may not encompass a large-scale sample size

or extended duration of the experiment. The study does not investigate

potential adverse effects or toxicity associated with the administration of

Ipomoea batatas leaf decoction, which warrants further research for a

comprehensive understanding of its safety and efficacy.