Inhibitory Effects of Crocin and Crocetin on Platelet Aggregation and Adhesion in Healthy Volunteers

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases , Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

2 Student Research Committee, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran

Abstract

Medicinal plants have shown potential in preventing cardiovascular diseases due to their bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of saffron-derived crocin and crocetin on platelet aggregation induced by various agonists and also their impact on platelet adhesion. This experimental laboratory study included 10 healthy individuals. Hemostasis was assessed using prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) tests, while complete blood count (CBC) analysis was performed with a Sysmex hematology analyzer. Platelet aggregation was evaluated in the presence of crocin and crocetin using a Chronolog dual-channel aggregometer with agonists including collagen, ADP, epinephrine, and calcium ionophore A23187. Platelet adhesion was also assessed using the Bellavite method and ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS version 24 and GraphPad Prism version 8.  A p-value < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. The participants had an average age of 27.3 ± 3.4 years. PT, PTT, and CBC indices were within normal ranges. Both crocin and crocetin significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner compared to the untreated group (p < 0.001). Platelet adhesion also decreased considerably at higher concentrations of crocin and crocetin (100 and 200 µg/mL) compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Crocin and crocetin, key bioactive compounds in saffron, demonstrated potent antiplatelet effects by inhibiting platelet aggregation and adhesion. These findings suggest that these compounds could prevent and potentially treat thrombotic disorders.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Medicinal plants and By-products
Volume 15, Issue 2
January and February 2026
Pages 262-266

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