Imperata cylindrica and Moringa oleifera: Antithrombotic Effect on Pulmonary Thromboembolism in Mice

Background: Imperata cylindrica and Moringa oleifera have been used widely as a traditional medicine to treat various diseases. These plants also have some compounds that are proven in vitro for their action to reduce platelet aggregation which has a major role in thrombosis pathogenesis. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extracts from I. cylindrica and M. oleifera as an antithrombotic agent in mice. Methods: The effects of I. cylindrica and M. oleifera on the pulmonary thrombosis in vivo and bleeding time parameters were examined. The two extracts were given orally for seven days prior to thrombosis induction. Survival rate was observed by the calculation of dead or paralysed mice and bleeding time was observed on amputated mice tails. Results: I. cylindrica and M. oleifera prevented paralyse and death caused by collagen-epinephrine induced pulmonary thrombosis in mice after 7 days pre-treatment in dose-dependent manner. The mouse tail bleeding time was significantly prolonged by administration of the extract, where I. cylindrica showed the most potent. Conclusion: These results suggest that the extract of I. cylindrica and M. oleifera have a potential activity as an antithrombotic agent in vivo.

Key words: Antithrombotic, Imperata cylindrica, Moringa oleifera, Survival rate, Pulmonary thromboembolism, Bleeding time.