The effect of Carica papaya L. leaves extract capsules on platelets count and hematocrit level in dengue fever patient.

Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest cases of dengue fever in South East Asia. The number of patient and distribution area increases with increasing mobility and population density. Carica papayaL. (CP) belongs to Caricaceae family is a widely cultivated pla nt in Indonesia and has many health benefits. The leaves were believed to increase platelet count and dengue fever patient benefit, but there were very limited published reports on scientific ev i- dent. The objective of this study was to determine the effect s of C. papaya leaves extract capsules (CPC) to dengue fever patient. The design of this study was randomized clinical trial with a sample size of 80 subjects. These subjects were ra n- domized into two groups of 40, including the control and intervention gro up (received two CPC three times daily). The results showed that CPC had significant increased the platelet count ( p<0.05), maintained stability of hemat ocrit in the normal level, shorten hospitalization ( p<0.05) in dengue fever patients, and accelerates t he increased in platelet count compared with control group.