Simultaneous Effect of Vitamin C and Warfarin on Coagulation Pathways of Rats

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the present study was to assess variations in coagulating pathways after simultaneous administration of warfarin and vitamin C. Methods: A total of 50 Wistar rats were selected. The rats were divided into 5 groups (1 group as control and 4 groups as experiment with 10 rats in each group). One group was control group, second group was given only warfarin for 10 days while the third group given warfarin and vitamin C simultaneously for 10 days, fourth group was given only warfarin for 20 days, and fifth group was given warfarin and vitamin C simultaneously for 20 days. After 10th and 20th days of administration of warfarin and vitamin C, blood samples were taken in order to measure the mean PT, PTT, BT and CT levels. Results: vitamin C caused a decrease in PT and PTT after 20 days. PT and PTT showed a significant decrease after 10 days in the group that received only warfarin as compared to the group that received warfarin and vitamin C. BT levels showed a decrease after both 10 and 20 days in the group that received warfarin and vitamin C together as compared to the group that received only warfarin. There were significant statistical differences in BT of the two groups of rats (group receiving warfarin and vitamin C and group receiving only warfarin) (P< 0.05). Conclusion: Simultaneous administration of vitamin C and warfarin (20 days) results in decrease of PT, PTT, BT and CT and neutralization of warfarin effect. The effect of vitamin C on blood coagulation can be similar to vitamin K.

Keywords

• Vitamin C
• Warfarin
• Coagulating tests
• Rats