A Preliminary In-Vitro Anticoagulant Activity of Karamarda(Carissa carandus L.)

Abstract

Background and objective The fruits of Karamarda Carissa carandus L are included under Hrdya dashemani group of ten cardioprotective herbs in Indian traditional system of medicine Ayurveda and hence probably could have an effect on the heart. With this objective the present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of aqueous extracts of Carissa carandas L. fruits on blood coagulation.Methodology The in-vitro anticoagulant effect was examined by using plasma collected from blood samples of normal individuals by measuring Plasma recalcification time RT. The aqueous extracts of Carissa carandas L. fruits at different concentrations 500 mgmL and 250 mgmL were tested by in-vitro anticoagulation activity by Plasma recalcification assay.Results The results revealed that aqueous extract at 250 mgmL exhibited better anticoagulant effect 32.60 plusmn 12.18 min when compared to control which took 2.55 plusmn 1.57 min for coagulation. This effect could be probably due to the phytoconstituents like p-coumaric acid flavonoids present in the herb.Conclusion From the preliminary results it may be suggested that aqueous extracts of Carissa carandas L. fruits possess anticoagulant activity. Nonetheless further investigations are required to establish fruits of Carissa carandas L. as a potential anticoagulant.