Carbon dots derived from Zingiber officinale Rosc (ginger) with hemostatic effects

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

• Ginger, a traditional Chinese medicine, is processed into carbonized ginger (CG) at high temperatures.
• Carbonized ginger exhibits hemostatic properties not found in raw ginger.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hemostatic effect of carbonized ginger.
• To identify the specific substances within carbonized ginger responsible for hemostasis.

Main Methods:

• Carbonized ginger carbon dots (CG-CDs) were synthesized from aqueous carbonized ginger solutions.
• Hemostatic efficacy was assessed using mouse tail bleeding and liver injury models.
• Capillary coagulation experiments evaluated clotting times.
• Mechanisms of action were explored.

Main Results:

• CG-CDs, with an average particle size of 4.07 nm, were characterized by their graphite structure and elemental composition (C, N, O).
• CG-CDs significantly shortened bleeding times and reduced blood loss in animal models.
• CG-CDs modulated coagulation parameters, increasing platelet count and activating factors (TXB2, PAI-1) while decreasing inhibitors (6-keto-PGF1, t-PA).

Conclusions:

• CG-CDs possess notable hemostatic activity.
• The hemostatic mechanism involves activation of coagulation pathways and modulation of the fibrinolytic system.
• CG-CDs represent a promising therapeutic agent for bleeding disorders.