The Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean), a worldwide vegetable of high consumption, can act as a nutritional supplement in the diet of oversized individuals to reduce weight. Studies have demonstrated the existence of molecules capable of inhibiting the breakdown of carbohydrates via inhibition of both α-amylases and glycosidases. Here, we describe a novel property of the Phaseolus vulgaris: inhibition of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Using assays to test platelet aggregation and secretion, and flow cytometry against the surface expression of P-Selectin. We show that bean extracts significantly reduced adenosine 5'-diphosphate and arachidonic acid induced-platelet aggregation. The mechanism underlying such effect appears to be mediated by AKT, since AKT hypo-phosphorylation decreases the "inside out" activation of platelets. In sum, our results support the hypothesis that common beans are nutritional ingredients that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with platelet hyper-reactivity.
Keywords: AKT; Phaseolus vulgaris; cardiovascular diseases; extracts; platelets aggregation.