Testing various herbs for antithrombotic effect
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2026
Rapid Point-of-Care Assay of Enoxaparin Anticoagulant Efficacy in Whole Blood
Published on: October 12, 2012
Junichiro Yamamoto1, Kaori Yamada, Aki Naemura
1Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Nutrition and High Technology Research Center, Kobe Gakuin University, Kobe, Japan. yamamoto@nutr.kobegakuin.ac.jp
Objective:
Prevention of arterial thrombotic diseases has high priority in developed countries. Because people who eat inappropriate food are prone to thrombotic events, regular intake of an antithrombotic diet may offer a convenient and effective way of prevention. The aim of the present study was to find herbs that have antithrombotic effects.
Methods:
Herbs were crushed and centrifuged and the juice obtained was filtered. The effect of filtrate on platelet-rich thrombus formation was assessed by a shear-induced in vitro platelet function test (hemostatometry). Filtrates showing significant antithrombotic activity were further assessed by using a laser-induced in vivo thrombosis test in mice. The effect of orally administered herb filtrates on flow-mediated vasodilation was also measured.
Results:
Common thyme and rosemary showed significant antithrombotic activity in vitro and in vivo. Neither herb affected flow-mediated vasodilation.
Conclusion:
Some herbs possess antithrombotic effects in experimental models of thrombosis. The mechanism of the antithrombotic effect of common thyme and rosemary may involve a direct inhibitory effect on platelets.
