A preliminary investigation of in vitro anti-thrombotic and anti-platelet activity of Pinus Gerardiana

Introduction: Hemostasis is a process which preserves the stability of a closed and high-pressure circulatory system after any vascular injury. Circulating platelets are recruited to the site of injury, where they develop a major component of the developing thrombus, blood clotting, started by tissue factor, concludes in the generation of thrombin and fibrin. Thrombosis is a serious event in the arterial diseases and a major cause in the development of myocardial infarction, stroke and venous thrombo-embolism which justify prominent morbidity and mortality rate. The knowledge of molecular and cellular mechanism of the formation of thrombus has developed considerably in the recent studies by using different in-vitro and in-vivo models of diseases. P. gerardiana nut oil has been reported to possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-septic, anti-neuralgic, diuretic, expectorant, hypertensive properties. However, hardly, any data is available regarding effects of nut oil on platelet function. In this study, fibrinolytic activity and effect on platelet aggregation were investigated. Method: P. gerardiana nut oil was extracted by using n-Hexane and then concentrated by rotary evaporator. Anti-thrombotic and fibrinolytic activities were evaluated on blood clot formation. Effects on platelet aggregation of the oil were determined based on collagen or epinephrine induced platelet aggregation. Results: P. gerardiana caused blood clot lysis in-vitro. P. gerardiana nut oil inhibited collagen dependent platelet aggregation while accelerated the epinephrine dependent platelet aggregation. In vitro whole blood coagulation was also reduced. In vivo P. gerardiana nut oil has no significant effect on blood cell indices. Conclusion: P. gerardiana nuts oil can be an effective therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and thromboembolism