Effects of Angelica polysaccharide on blood coagulation and platelet aggregation

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of angelica polysaccharide (AP) on blood coagulation and platelet aggregation. METHODS: Infrared turbidimetric method was used to estimate platelet aggregation, active partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT) and thrombin time (TT); bleeding time (BT) was measured by cutting the mouse's tail and coagulate time (CT) was measured by dropping the blood on carry sheet glass. RESULTS: AP prominently enhanced the platelet aggregation at 5 min, while showed less effects on the maximum platelet aggregation. It also markedly prolonged CT but shortened BT. AP significantly prolonged TT and APTT in dosage of 3 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, while showed no obvious effect on PT. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that AP has potent anticoagulant and haemostasis effects. The haemostasis effect is related to promoting platelet aggregation.