Assessment of Thrombolytic Activity of Five Bangladeshi Medicinal Plants: Potential Source for Thrombolytic Compounds

Aim: The aim of our project work was to assess the thrombolytic activity of five common Bangladeshi plant extract in different solvent. Five plants are Geodorum densiflorum (Shankhamul), Pistia stratiotes (Topa Pana), Smilax zeylanica (Kumarilata), Pandanus foetidus (Keya) & Tabernaemontana coronaria (Tagar). Plants were collected and air dried separately for three weeks. They were ground into a coarse powder. Cold extractions were performed for all plants by using different solvents.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pharmacy, University of Chittagong and University of Science and Technology Chittagong, November, 2013.

Methodology: Fresh blood was collected from healthy individuals ten volunteers (n=10). Blood was allowed to form clots in a pre-weighed sterile micro-centrifuge eppendorf tubes. After clot serum was removed and blood clot was weighed then blood clot was allowed to lysis by streptokinase. After lysis fluid was removed and the remaining of blood clot was again weighed along with the tube. Percentage of blood clot lysis was calculated on the basis of the weight difference. Weight difference of tubes obtained by weighing before and after clot lyses of blood. % clot lysis=(Weight after clot lysis/ Weight of clot before lysis)×100. This method was repeated for all extracts.

Result: Among the herbs studied Pandanus foetidus (C), Pandanus foetidus (PE), Smilax zeylanica (E) and Pistia stratiotes-Root (M) showed significant % of clot lysis 47.54% 41.49%, 43.35% and 35.85% respectively with reference to standard, streptokinase (70.24%).

Conclusion: These extracts lyse the blood clots In-vitro, however, we need to know In-vivo clot dissolving property. Further systemic research on these plants and may be a potential source of thrombolytic agent in future.