The anti-thrombotic active constituents from Centella asiatica

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Centella asiatica is a medicinal plant with various reported bioactivities.
• Platelet activation and coagulation are critical in hemostasis and thrombosis.
• Understanding natural compounds' effects on these processes is vital for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in vitro effects of a Centella asiatica methanol extract on shear-induced platelet activation and coagulation.
• To identify active compounds within the extract responsible for these effects.

Main Methods:

• Oral administration of Centella asiatica methanol extract to rats.
• Assessment of platelet activation and coagulation using haemostatometry on non-anticoagulated blood.
• Isolation and identification of chemical constituents from the extract.

Main Results:

• The methanol extract of Centella asiatica was found to affect platelet activation and coagulation.
• Several compounds were isolated, including chlorogenic acid, asiaticoside, kaempferol, quercetin, and various di-O-caffeoyl quinic acids.
• 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid demonstrated significant inhibition of shear-induced platelet activation and dynamic coagulation.
• The inhibitory effect exhibited a bell-shaped reactive curve.

Conclusions:

• 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid is a key active component in Centella asiatica extract responsible for inhibiting platelet activation and coagulation.
• This finding supports the traditional use of Centella asiatica and suggests potential applications in managing thrombotic disorders.