The Coagulant Effect of the Medicago sativa L. Hydroalcoholic Extract: An in vivo Study on Mice

Abstract

Background and Aim: Herbal medicines are used in the treatment of many diseases, including blood-related disorders. Mediacgo sativa, which is used in traditional medicine to stop bleeding, contains several secondary compounds, is assumed to be effective in primary and secondary blood coagulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of M. sativa extract on blood coagulation system in vivo. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four male mice were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 8) as follows: negative control (receiving 0.3 ml of distilled water), positive control (receiving 0.3 ml of tranexamic acid, 1200 mg/kg/day) and the treatment group (receiving 0.3 ml of the hydroalcoholic extract of M. sativa, 300 mg/kg/day). On the 13th day of treatment, collection of blood samples from the tail tip for bleeding time (BT), clotting time (CT), and number of platelets was carried out. On the 14th day, the blood samples were collected from the heart and prothrombin time (PT), activating the partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) as indicators of coagulation rate that were determined. The GC-MS was also used to determine extract compounds. Results: The results indicated that M. sativa extract had a significant prolonged effect on the aPTT and PT. Furthermore, this extract increased platelet count, though it significantly reduced coagulation time in BT and CT. It was concluded that M. sativa extract could have beneficial effects on the initial blood homeostasis. Conclusion: Given the highly beneficial effect on coagulation and then tranexamic acid, this extract can be recommended as a potential homeostatic remedy after further clinical evaluations.

Keywords

• Medicago sativa., Phytochemical analysis, Intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, Blood coagulation