Anticoagulant activity of some Artemisia dracunculus leaf extracts

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Phytochemistry
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• Platelet hyperactivity and interactions with endothelial cells are key factors in cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
• Pharmacological agents such as acetylsalicylic acid and coumarin derivatives are used to prevent cardiovascular disease.
• Artemisia dracunculus (Tarragon) is a plant with a history of use in Middle Eastern diets and is known for its anticoagulant properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of coumarins in tarragon leaves.
• To identify the tarragon extract with the highest concentration of coumarin derivatives.
• To evaluate the anticoagulant activity of tarragon extracts and fractions.

Main Methods:

• Tarragon extracts were purified using solvents of varying polarities and pH.
• Anticoagulant activity was assessed by measuring prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) in human blood samples.
• Extracts and fractions were derived from plant residue post-essential oil distillation.

Main Results:

• Purified extracts and fractions, particularly those concentrated in coumarins, exhibited notable anticoagulant effects.
• The methanol extract, at a 5% concentration, demonstrated the highest anticoagulant activity, achieving a maximum INR of 2.34.
• The INR of normal plasma when tested with this extract was 1.05.

Conclusions:

• Tarragon is a source of coumarin derivatives with significant anticoagulant potential.
• Methanol extracts of tarragon residue are effective in inhibiting blood coagulation.
• Further research into tarragon's coumarins could lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.