Antithrombotic and Antiplatelet Activity of Extract from Prunella vulgaris

Abstract

This study was performed to develop effective antithrombotic agents from traditional herb extracts.Prunella vulgaris L. has been used traditionally as a medical resource in cancer therapy, as well as treatment of hypertension and inflammation, and as a diuretic. However, the effects of Prunella vulgaris on thrombosis and platelet activation have not been clearly understood. Antithrombotic and antiplatelet activities of oriental medicinal herbs were investigated by evaluating the effect of the aqueous extract from Prunella vulgaris on the blood coagulation, platelet aggregation and fibrinolysis. Prunella vulgaris extracts showed effective anticoagulant activity in coagulation times such as activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT). Prunella vulgaris also inhibited adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. In addition, evaluation of fibrinolytic activity showed that the Prunella vulgaris extracts have high solubility. From these results, it is suggested that Prunella vulgaris can be a potential candidate for anticoagulants and antiplatelets, as well as fibrinolytic agents.

The protective effect of Prunella vulgaris ethanol extract against vascular inflammation in TNF-α-stimulated human aortic smooth muscle cells

“…P. vulgaris has been used traditionally as a medical resource in cancer therapy, as well as a diuretic and a treatment for hypertension and inflammation (15). Nevertheless, scientific evidence of P. vulgaris actions is incomplete.…”

“…P. vulgaris is a medical plant; its components include ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, rutin, hyperoside, cis- and trans-caffeic acid, vitamins, carotenoids, tannin, and organic acids (15). Ursolic acid, among those, is a triterpenoid compound widely distributed in foods, medicinal herbs, and other plants.…”

“…Ethanol extracts of Prunella vulgaris , a widely distributed perennial herb, have been reported to have diverse health benefits, including prevention of oxidative stress, thrombosis, lipid peroxidation, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperlipidemia (15-17). In vivo studies have provided evidence that P. vulgaris prevents the anti-hyperglycemic effects of exogenous insulin without stimulating insulin secretion (18).…”