Title: Anti-Thromboembolic Activity of Crataegus Oxycantha Linn. - An Experimental Approach.

Objective: To asses the anti- thrombotic activity of Crataegus oxycantha Linn. in mice.

Materials & Methods: Silver et al 1947 has shown that rabbits died immediately after receiving an intravenous injection of sodium arachidonate (1.4 mg/kg). Their death was indicated to be due to blockage of micro-circulation of lung by the platelets thromboemboli and death was protected by prior intraperitoneal injection of aspirin. Diminno and Silver (1983) methodology developed a simple experimental model for evaluating anti- thrombotic agent in male mice. Hence, similar methodology/experimental model has been adopted for this investigation.

Results: It was observed that the drug at a dose level ranging from 25 µl to 50 µl/25g body weight (g.b.w.) of mouse exhibited marked percentage protective activity 75% and 60% respectively against the thrombolic challenged posed by aggregating agents against the thrombotic challenge posed by aggregating agent.

Conclusion: In the present investigation, it was observed that the lower dose gave significant protection while protecting effect was observed to be undergoing regression with gradual increase in dose range from 25 to 50 µl.The antithrombotic effect of Crataegus, thus appears to be due to its anti aggregating activity and areas regarding the mechanism of this activity still remain a subject for wider study and exploration. The findings of this investigation closely resemble the anti-thrombotic activity of Curcumin

Published in: Drug Research, Homoeopathic Drug Research Institute, Annual Report, 1990-91, 44-52.