Antiplatelet activity of Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) grown in Jordan

From the aerial parts of Ruta chalapensis L., grown in Jordan, two furanocoumarins (bergapten, chalepensin) one flavonoid glycoside (rutin) and several minor compounds have been isolated. The structural elucidation of these compounds was established based on spectral data. In Jordan, R. chalepensis is recommended for the treatment of rheumatism, mental and menstrual problems. Fresh and dried leaves are used as flavoring agent in food and beverages. Antiplatelet activities of the crude methanolic and ethylacetate extracts in addition to the three isolated major compounds were measured by aggrometric method [1] in venous blood taken from volunteers. Antiplatelet activity results of extracts and pure compounds on the aggregation of human PRP induced by ADP (ADP-IA) and collagen (C-IA) are shown in table 1.

Table 1

Compound/ Extract	Conc mg/mL	% Inhibition of ADP–IA*	% Inhibition of C-IA
Rc Ethyl acetate extract	5	100	50
Rc Methanolic extract	7	100	0
Rutin	0.06	98	Not tested
Bergapten	0.10.050.02	10097.596.3	7500
Chalpensin	0.10.050.02	97.898.394.9	75500
*Rc=Ruta chalepensis; 100% platelet aggregation inhibition was calculated using aspirin13.9mg/mL as a standard, 100% aggregating induced by aggregating reagents: ADP 10µM, Collagen 1µg/mL

References: 1. Beretz, A., Cazenave, J.P. (1991), Methods in Plant Biochemistry, Hostettmann, K., Ed., Academic Press, New York, p.235