Effect of Hawthorn (Crataegus aronia syn. Azarolus (L)) on platelet function in albino Wistar rats

Thromb Res. 2012 Jul;130(1):75-80. doi: 10.1016/j.thromres.2012.01.001. Epub 2012 Jan 17.

Abstract

Objective: This study was designed to investigate the possible antiplatelet effect of aqueous whole-plant C. aronia syn: Azarolus (L) extract using Wistar albino rats as a model.

Materials and methods: Forty-two male albino Wistar rats weighing 200 to 250 g were divided into seven groups with six rats in each group. Group 1 served as the control and received equal volumes of distilled water. Groups 2-6 served as the experimental groups and were given C. aronia extract at doses of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg, while group 7 served as a positive control and was given aspirin (25mg/kg). All the doses were administered orally once a day and the treatment was continued for seven days. In all groups, at the end of the experimental procedure, blood samples were obtained for platelet function measurements, including PFA-100, thromboxane B2 levels, platelet count, and haematocrit. The bleeding time was determined using a modified tail cutting method described previously.

Results: The aqueous C. aronia syn. Azarolus (L) extract significantly altered the bleeding time and the closure time, as determined by the PFA-100 and thromboxane B2 levels, suggesting significant platelet function inhibition. These effects were observed with C. aronia doses between 100 - 500 mg/kg, which yielded thromboxane B2 levels of 1,000 mg/kg, whereas the higher dose (2,000 mg/kg) produced opposite effects on these parameters.

Conclusion: C. aronia syn. Azarolus (L) aqueous extract has antiplatelet effects in Wistar albino rats.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bleeding Time
  • Blood Platelets / cytology
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects*
  • Crataegus / chemistry*
  • Hematocrit
  • Male
  • Plant Extracts / isolation & purification
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects*
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / isolation & purification
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Platelet Count
  • Rats
  • Rats, Wistar
  • Thromboxane B2 / blood

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Thromboxane B2