Effects of selected South African plant extracts on haemolysis and coagulation.

The use of herbal preparations for staunching blood flow and reducing the risk of vascular thrombosis is common worldwide. In this study, aqueous and methanolic extracts of plants used to treat blood-associated complaints were investigated to determine their effects on red blood cell haemolysis and coagulation. The extent of haemolysis was determined spectrophotometrically. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) as indicators of coagulation rate were determined using a coagulatometer. All of the plant extracts tested had a significant effect on coagulation time, prolonging the aPTT. Cassia petersiana had the greatest prolonging effect on PT compared to the control, phosphate buffered saline (PBS). As all of the herbal extracts tested had a delaying effect on coagulation, patients using herbal/plant therapies should be cautioned to stop their medication before surgery.