The impact of extract from Astragalus membranaceus on blood coagulation in individuals with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes-related vascular problems might result from persistent hyperglycemia, and individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of blood clot formation compared to healthy controls. Anticoagulant drugs are medications used to dissolve blood clots; various agents have been employed to improve platelet function and minimize thrombosis in these patients. Medicinal plants can be used as alternatives with potentially fewer side effects. Interestingly, Astragalus membranaceus (also known as Huangqi) extract was obtained for in vitro investigation. This study aimed to assess the anticoagulant impact of Huangqi on human plasma. The research focused on prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) among diabetic patients. In vitro anticoagulant effects were evaluated using plasma treated with the extract, while DMSO served as a negative control. The results showed that the baseline PT in untreated plasma from the healthy group was 11.79 seconds, compared to 11.69 seconds in the diabetic group. A significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between healthy donors and diabetic patients; the mean aPTT in diabetic patients was 26.03 seconds, while in controls, it was 28.52 seconds. The present study highlighted the potent antithrombin effect of Huangqi extract at a dosage of 50 mg/ml. The PT and aPTT assays were significantly prolonged by Huangqi (P<0.001), demonstrating effective anticoagulant activity. This suggests that Huangqi may benefits patients who are at high risk of thrombosis.