Punica granatum L (pomegranate) belongs to Lythraceae family commonly known as pomegranate. The leaves of pomegranate are being extensively utilized in the folk medicine since long time. Various researchers reported the anti-inflammatory, anti-cholinesterase, anti-diabetic, anti-cancerous, cytotoxic, anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties. While, none of the studies claims the therapeutic utility of pomegranate in oxidative stress induced pathogenesis in specific thrombosis. Thus, the current study evaluates the antioxidant and antithrombotic properties of Punica granatum Leaves Aqueous Extract (PGLAE). Qualitative analysis of PGLAE exposed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids and polyphenols. PGLAE displayed about 95% of DPPH scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 4.5μg/ml. Interestingly PGLAE significantly (***p<0.0001) normalized the stress markers such as Lipid Peroxidation (LPO), Protein Carbonyl Content (PCC), Total Thiol (TT), endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in sodium nitrite induced oxidative stress in RBC. In addition, PGLAE caused strong anticoagulation in platelet rich plasma by extending the clotting time from control 181sec to 1120sec. The anticoagulant effect of PGLAE was also strengthened by APTT and PT tests. PGLAE was positive for only APTT test, revealed the identified anticoagulant effect of PGLAE could be due its interference in intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation cascade. PGLAE also exhibited antiplatelet activity by inhibiting ADP induced platelet aggregation with an inhibition percentage of 74%. PGLAE was nontoxic in nature as it was devoid of hemolysis of RBCs.

Keywords:Oxidative stress; Antioxidant; Anticoagulant; Antiplatelet properties