Evaluation of fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects of Allium affine hydroalcoholic extract

Allium affine is a member of Amaryllidaceae family, which grows wildly in some western regions of Iran. Limited information is available about the pharmacological activities of this plant. The present study aimed to evaluate the fibrinolytic and antioxidant effects of hydroalcoholic extract of A. affine aerial parts. The in vitro antioxidant properties of the extract were evaluated by total phenolic content assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The in vivo studies included the determination of hydroperoxides level and FRAP value in serum samples of rats receiving i.p. injections of the plant extract for 21 days. The fibrinolytic activity of the extract was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the clot weight. In vitro antioxidant analysis exhibited the promising potential of DPPH scavenging and total antioxidant capacity of A. affine extract. In the in vivo analysis, A. affine extract reduced the serum hydroperoxides level and increased the serum total antioxidant capacity in rats. In vitro fibrinolytic assay also elucidated notable thrombolytic activity of the plant extract. The results of this study revealed the valuable antioxidant and in vitro fibrinolytic activities of A. affine extract. Further studies are needed for better evaluation of anticoagulant and thrombolytic activities of this plant and understanding its detailed mechanisms.