Effect of diallyl trisulfide-rich garlic oil on blood coagulation and plasma activity of anticoagulation factors in rats

Abstract

Diallyl trisulfide (DAT)-rich garlic oil was fed to Sprague–Dawley rats and the effects of this DAT-rich garlic oil on bleeding time, clotting time and anticoagulation factors were examined. Garlic oil supplement at 5 or 50 mg garlic oil/kg bodyweight significantly prolonged bleeding time and thrombin time, and enhanced anticoagulation factor activity, such as antithrombin III and protein C ( P < 0.05). These results suggested that the anticoagulant action of DAT-rich garlic oil was due to inhibition and/or inactivation of thrombin. In addition, DAT-rich garlic oil benefits blood anticoagulation factors, which might further prevent the development of thrombus formation. However, the intake of garlic oil at high dose significantly increased plasma fibrinogen concentration ( P < 0.05), and affected the levels of several hematological parameters such as erythrocyte count, hemoglobin and platelets ( P < 0.05). The adverse effect of high doses of garlic oil might further influence the hemostatic balance. Therefore, the concentration of DAT-rich garlic oil should be carefully considered in its application. Supplementation of garlic oil at 5 mg/kg bodyweight has anticoagulation effect in this animal study.