Antithrombotic effects of Huanglian Jiedu decoction in a rat model of ischaemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral stroke

Abstract

Context

Huanglian Jiedu Decoction (HLJJD) has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotection against ischaemic brain injury.

Objectives

This ex vivo study explores its antithrombosis activity and inhibition of platelet aggregation.

Material and methods

To study the antithrombosis activity of HLJJD ex vivo, saline, or HLJDD (100, 200, and 500 mg/kg) was treated prophylactically by gavage for 3 days in Wistar rats (n = 4). Based on the rat model of transient middle cerebral artery infarction (MCAO) or normal rats (n = 4), the antithrombotic activity in the normal group and HLJDD subgroups on prothrombin time, thrombus weight, platelet aggregation, and others was evaluated, followed by the antiplatelet aggregation of its main components (n = 4).

Results

The weight of the thrombus increased significantly at 24 h after MCAO onset. HLJJD did not influence the change of PT, but significantly inhibited thrombosis by 12.5, 20.0, and 20.5% in reducing the dry weight of thrombus, and blocked collagen-induced platelet aggregation by 25.5, 39.0, and 42.7% and adhesion of blood platelet by 17.3, 26.2, and 27.3%. The IC₅₀ value of HLJJD on collagen-induced platelet aggregation was 670 mg/kg. Geniposide only facilitated antiplatelet aggregation induced by collagen, but not AA or ADP. Both baicalin and berberine showed markedly antiplatelet aggregation induced by all activators. The antithrombotic activity of baicalin was relatively higher than that of berberine (35.0–47.8% vs. 20.6–33.5%).

Conclusion

Our results indicated that HLJDD regulated blood circulation by inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombosis, which might also extensively contribute to the clinical prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular diseases.

Keywords:

• Chinese medicines
• thrombosis
• platelet aggregation
• baicalin
• berberine
• geniposide

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interests in this study.

Data availability statement

Additional information and requests for data should be directed to the corresponding author X. Y. Chen ([email protected]).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by Jiangxi Provincial Health Commission Science and Technology Program Project (20204111); Jiangxi University of Science and Technology Natural Science Project (ZR1806, ZR1909); Jiangxi Province Educational Science “Thirteenth Five-Year Plan” General Topics in 2019 (19YB243).