Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases represent the major cause of death and morbidity in the world. An uncontrolled activation of the coagulation cascade and platelet aggregation may lead to the formation of thrombi. Antithrombotic drugs have limitations and may produce side effects, and consequently, alternative therapies have been extensively investigated. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects of extracts (prepared in methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate or acetone) of the Brazilian alga Acanthophora spicifera and some commercial products, biotin, myristic acid, cholesterol, β-carotene and vitamin B12. Samples were tested on Prothrombin Time, Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time, Fibrinogen Coagulation and Thrombin Time, which are routinely used at clinical trials and on platelet aggregation. From the result, all extracts or products inhibited plasma coagulation as well as inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ADP. Moreover, the extracts inhibited the enzymatic activity of thrombin, tested upon a specific chromogenic for thrombin. The extracts or commercial products were devoid of toxicity, since no lyse occurred on platelets or red blood cells in the presence of them. In conclusion, the extracts of A. spicifera or products from the market have biotechnological potential and may be useful to develop a new class of antihemostatic drugs.

Key words: Acanthophora spicifera, red marine alga, antiplatelet, anticoagulant, bioprospecting, vascular diseases.