CHAPTER 4

PRESENTATION,ANALYSIS,AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Presentation : A herbal plant , Tawa-tawa had a report that it can cure dengue fever. According to the article from Dr. Willie T. Ong entitled “Treatment for Dengue” which was published on The Philippine STAR, there is no specific drug to kill the dengue virus. However, doctors can employ various supportive measures to strengthen the body so that it can recover from the disease. Here's how we do it :

1. Patients are encouraged to drink lots of water to keep the body's water at an optimum level. If needed, doctors give dextrose fluid to prevent dehydration.
2. Monitoring of blood count. Doctors check the hematocrit and platelet count regularly to see if there is a need to transfuse blood components.
3. Consider giving medicines to prevent ulcer, since bleeding is a possibility.
4. Encourage the patient to eat regularly, specifically soft, easily digestible foods. Patients are advised to avoid eating dark colored foods, because we need to monitor the stool's color. (Black stools means blood for doctors.)
5. Tawa Tawa plant might help.

In the Philippines, many patients are using Tawa Tawa plants to treat dengue. The Department of Health is still studying the effectiveness of this plant, and has raised concern over the possibility of toxicity with over dosage. However, doctors would usually allow patients to drink it if you ask their permission first.
Here's how to prepare Tawa Tawa:
(1) Take 5 whole Tawa Tawa plants;
(2) Cut off the roots, then wash and clean;
(3) Boil Tawa Tawa in a pot of clean water;
(4) Pour the liquid and then let cool;
(5) Sip 1 glass 3 to 4 times a day.

But remember, always consult your doctor first before undergoing any treatment. Our infectious disease specialists are still your best bet to get cured from dengue. Take care! Step 1 Step 2

Step 3

Step 4 Step 5

Analysis : NOTE that the Department of Health (DOH) says tawa-tawa is “not enough for critical dengue patients, and urges oral rehydration therapy.”

It must also be noted that “there is a large difference between cases of dengue without hemorrhagic fever and those with, along with the 4 serotypes, recommended treatment may vary depending on the specific presentation of dengue.”

Scientific studies and tests, reports say, are being conducted to find out the health and medicinal benefits of Tawa Tawa.

Interpretation of data :
In the study, the students used chloramphenicol, ethanol and heparin to induce thrombocytopenia on rat models, mimicking dengue hemorrhagic fever. They administered tawa-tawa decoction to the sample groups and collected blood samples to check for platelet count, bleeding time (duration of bleeding), and blood clotting times in several stages of the experiment.
Results showed that platelet count increased by 47% depending on the drug used to induce thrombocytopenia. Bleeding time was reduced up to 62% while blood clotting time decreased to 58% compared to the control groups.
Based on the results, students concluded that administering tawa-tawa decoction to animal models help improve their healing mechanism. Tawa-tawa was able to promote cell production, and prevents platelet destruction. Likewise, the improvement in the cell bleeding time and clotting time provided evidence that the indigenous plant can preserve and promote the hemostatic function of platelets.
The students also discovered phenolic compounds in tawa-tawa, active ingredients suspected to be responsible in the increased platelet counts of tested animals. In an interview, Mr. Ryan Justin Raynes, one of the student researchers saidthat through a phenolic determination assay, they were able to identify ‘minute’ phenolic compound in tawa-tawa samples. “Although there were small amount of phenolic compound in tawa-tawa, this was sufficient to exert effect promoting quality and quantity of platelets,” Mr. Raynes said.
Because of the study’s significant findings, it won the first prize in the PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award held during the 6thPhilippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week held at Sofitel Manila last 10 August 2012. PCHRD – Gruppo Medica Award is given to undergraduate students engaged in herbal medicine research that have potential for practical or commercial applications.