Anticoagulant, antiplatelet and antianemic effects of Punica granatum (pomegranate) juice in rabbits

Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis. 2016 Apr;27(3):287-93. doi: 10.1097/MBC.0000000000000415.

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L., Punicaceae) is a good source of minerals and phytochemicals with diverse pharmacological activities such as anxiolytic, antidepressant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Effects of P. granatum on blood parameters and coagulation have, however, been little studied. The aim of the study was to assess the outcome of P. granatum on coagulation and anticoagulation factors at different doses on blood samples of healthy white rabbits. Blood samples of the animals were collected twice during the study and biochemical assays were performed to assess the effect on hematological, coagulation, anticoagulation, and platelet aggregation. Significant changes were observed in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, while bleeding and thrombin time were also prolonged significantly. There was significant increase in protein C, thrombin antithrombin complex levels, and decrease in platelet aggregation and fibrinogen concentration, in a dose-dependent manner. The results of hematological and coagulation assays lead to the speculation about a possible antianemic and cardioprotective effect of P. granatum.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anticoagulants / chemistry
  • Anticoagulants / pharmacology*
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Blood Coagulation / drug effects*
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Fruit and Vegetable Juices* / analysis
  • Hematocrit
  • Lythraceae / chemistry*
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Platelet Aggregation / drug effects
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / chemistry
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Plant Extracts
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors