Modulation of platelet functions by Careya sphaerica Roxb. leave extracts

Platelets form a plug to prevent blood loss and contribute to wound healing. Kradonbok, Careya sphaerica Roxb., is a Thai plant with medicinal properties. Conventionally, leaves of C. sphaerica are being used to help wound healing in Thailand. The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of C. sphaerica on the function of platelet. Four different extracts of leaves of C. sphaerica (distilled water, methanol, ethanol, and chloroform extracts) were prepared. The extracts at 5.0 mg/ml per dose were tested for the effect of C. sphaerica on platelet adhesion and aggregation properties, by employing a microtiter plate approach. The phytochemical identification was done by using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our data revealed that chloroform extract significantly activated thrombin-induced platelet adhesion (105.27 ± 0.11%, P < 0.05). None of the extracts exhibited an improvement in platelet aggregation. Further GC-MS analysis of the chloroform extract revealed five key phytochemical constituents with potential platelet activation properties. In conclusion, our study evaluated platelet activation and potentially wound healing property of C. sphaerica. GC-MS analysis identified potential bioactive phytochemical compounds in C. sphaerica which warrant further investigation to characterize these compounds.