Abstract

Haemostasis is the process of forming clots in the walls of damaged blood vessels to prevent abnormal bleeding and to maintain intravascular blood in a fluid state. Fenugreek is largely universal staple herb, popular throughout history and it has been consumed for treatment of different disorders. We aimed to study the possible anticoagulant effect of Fenugreek aqueous extract in vitro by using blood samples of normal individuals. In vitro anticoagulant effects of Fenugreek aqueous extract (5%) in different volumes (25, 50 and 75 μL) were examined in the blood samples of normal individuals by measuring prothrombin time (PT). The aqueous extract of Fenugreek was found to inhibit coagulation process in vitro and significantly prolonged prothrombin time in a dose-dependent manner. Fenugreek aqueous extract in different concentrations inhibits clot formation and increases prothrombin time. Subject to further studies on efficacy and safety, It can well be used, in the future, as a supplementary anticoagulant agent in cardiovascular diseases and to prevent hypercoagulable states.

Key words: Anticoagulant; Fenugreek; Haemostasis; Medicinal plants; Prothrombin time; Sudan