The Effect of Wheatgrass Lyophilizate on Blood Clotting Time in Rats
Wheatgrass is widely used in the alternative medicine, however, there is a lack of clinical evidence to support its efficacy. Although based on its chemical composition, data from animal experiments and clinical trials, the use of juice and extracts of <i>Triticum</i> shoots seems to be...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2021-08-01
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| Series: | Scientia Pharmaceutica |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2218-0532/89/3/39 |
| Summary: | Wheatgrass is widely used in the alternative medicine, however, there is a lack of clinical evidence to support its efficacy. Although based on its chemical composition, data from animal experiments and clinical trials, the use of juice and extracts of <i>Triticum</i> shoots seems to be safe, clinical reports point out its potential interaction with oral anticoagulants. The aim of our study was to assess the interaction of wheatgrass with warfarin in rats and to assess its flavonoid content. Three groups of animals were treated orally with wheatgrass, warfarin, or the combination of wheatgrass and warfarin for five days. Clotting assays were performed using platelet-poor plasma. Prothrombin time was determined by optical and mechanical coagulometers. Flavonoid content of wheatgrass was measured by HPLC. The effect of wheatgrass on prothrombin time was not confirmed. Co-administration of wheatgrass and warfarin did not result in diminished anticoagulant activity. Low amount of flavonoids was detected in wheatgrass juice, the total flavonoid content was 0.467 mg/100 g lyophilized juice powder. The previously reported rutin, quercetin and apigenin was not detected by us. Our results do not confirm the probability of interaction of wheatgrass with oral anticoagulants. However, the low flavonoid content of wheatgrass does not support its use as an antioxidant. |
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| ISSN: | 0036-8709 2218-0532 |