Inhibition of thrombin, an unexplored function of retinoic acid.

Retinoic acid, a derivative of vitamin A, is known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet and fibrinolytic activities. We have investigated the thrombin and platelet aggregation inhibitory activities of vitamin A (retinol) and its derivatives, retinoic acid and retinaldehyde. The thrombin enzymatic assay was performed fluorimetrically to assess the inhibition of thrombin (Sigma and plasma).

Medium-chain triglycerides and monounsaturated fatty acids potentiate the beneficial effects of fish oil on selected cardiovascular risk factors in rats.

Fish oil (FO) rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Little information is known regarding the influence of lipid composition in the background diet on the modulatory effect of FO supplementation on CVDs. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of various background dietary lipids and FO on selected cardiovascular risk factors in rats.

Anti-platelet activity of water dispersible curcuminoids in rat platelets.

Curcuminoids are active principle of turmeric with plethora of health beneficial properties. In this study, we have evaluated for the first time the effect of water dispersible curcuminoids on rat platelet aggregation. Curcuminoids (10-30 µg/mL) significantly inhibited platelet aggregation induced by agonists viz.