Rumex acetosella Inhibits Platelet Function via Impaired MAPK and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Signaling

Objective: To examine the antiplatelet and antithrombotic activity of Rumex acetosella extract. Methods: Standard light aggregometry was used for platelet aggregation, intracellular calcium mobilization assessed using Fura-2/AM, granule secretion (ATP release) by luminometer, and fibrinogen binding to integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) detected using flow cytometry. Western blotting is carried out to determine the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling. Results: Rumex acetosella displayed the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, granule secretion, and fibrinogen binding to integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3). Rumex acetosella has also down-regulated MAPK and PI3K/Akt phosphorylation (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Rumex acetosella extract exhibits antiplatelet activity via modulating GPVI signaling, and it may protect against the development of platelet-related cardiovascular diseases.