Effect of methanolic and n-hexanic extracts of Allium porrum L. on some human coagulation tests in vitro

Allium porrum L. is a plant from the Liliaceae family and has been used in Iranian foods as flavor. It has been used in traditional medicine in different ways. In the western parts of Iran, people believe that the fresh Allium juice can inhibit epistaxis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of methanolic and n-hexanic extracts of Allium porrum L. on coagulation tests in human beings in vitro.

The methanolic and n-hexanic extracts of Allium porrum L. were prepared using continuous extraction method. Effect of different concentrations of extracts on prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and clotting time (CT) was evaluated. The result was analyzed by analysis of variance.

The results of the present study showed that the methanolic extract of Allium porrum increased PT and PTT but failed to change the clotting time. In the presence of N-hexanic extract, clotting time increased but PT decreased.

The results of this study indicated that Allium porrum extracts had a significant anti-coagulatory effect. However, some of the findings of this study are controversial, and further studies on animal models are needed in order to clarify the possible mechanisms.