Anti-Thrombotic Effect of Carthamus tinctorius Linn Extracts in Rats

Purpose: To explore the effects of Carthamus tinctorius L. (CTL) extracts on thrombosis in rats. Methods: CTL extract was obtained in hot water (60 degrees C), dried in a hot air oven and then freeze-dried. The rats were divided into 6 groups: normal group, control group, reference group (aspirin 5 mg/kg) as well as groups that received 20, 40 and 80 mg/kg doses of CTL, respectively. For each group, treatment was given orally once daily for 14 days. Common carotid artery FeCl3-induced thrombus and inferior vena cava thrombosis occlusion time, as well as plasma concentrations of thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandine F1 alpha(6-keto-PGF1 alpha) were measured in rats. Results: Compared with the control group, all doses of CTL extracts significantly and dose-dependently prolonged thrombosis occlusion time, reduced the weight of thrombus and increased inhibition rate (p < 0.01). Plasma TXB2 concentration of all CTL extracts groups decreased dose-dependently (p < 0.05) while that of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was increased (p < 0.05). There was association between 6-keto-PGF1 alpha/TXB2 and arterial or venous thrombus weight for all treatments, and also with occlusion time for CTL treatment but not for aspirin. Conclusion: CTL has a significant effect on thrombosis in rats. However, further studies are required to determine its clinical potentials.