Inhibitory effects of Cyperus digitatus extract on human platelet function in vitro

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate the mechanisms of antiplatelet action of Cyperus digitatus. The antiplatelet action of C. digitatus was studied on platelet function: secretion, adhesion, aggregation, and sCD40L release. The platelet ATP secretion and aggregation were significantly inhibited by CDA (ethyl acetate extract) at 0.1 mg/ml and after the incubation of whole blood with CDA, the platelet coverage was inhibited by 96 ± 3% (p < 0.001). At the same concentration, CDA significantly decreased sCD40L levels. The mechanism of antiplatelet action of CDA could be by NF-κB inhibition and that is cAMP independent. In conclusion, C. digitatus extract may serve as a new source of antiplatelet agents for food and nutraceutical applications.

• Antiplatelet activity
• cardiovascular diseases
• cyperus digitatus
• NF-κB pathway
• sCD40L

Declaration of interest

The authors report that they have no conflicts of interest. This work was funded by the CONICYT REGIONAL/GORE MAULE/CEAP/R09I2001, Interdisciplinary Excellence Research Program on Healthy Aging (PIEI-ES), and supported by Grant no. 1130216 (I. P., M. G., R. M., M. A., and J. C.) and no. 11140142 (E. F.) from Fondecyt, Chile.