Brazilian propolis (AF-08) is a dietary supplement containing various flavonoids and possesses many biological activities. Flavonoids and a diet of fruits and vegetables containing them have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Most of CVDs are caused by the formation of arterial thrombi due to the close interaction of platelet aggregation and blood coagulation. We have previously shown that AF-08 inhibits platelet aggregation without affecting blood coagulation. In the present study, we compared the effects of AF-08 components on the inhibitory effect of AF-08 on platelet aggregation.
Major constituents of AF-08 (apigenin, kaempferol, chrysin, trans-cinnamic acid, and artepirin C) were performed quantative analysis by HPLC system. Human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was obtained from human blood anticoagulated with sodium citrate and incubated with serial dilutions of AF-08 components for 10 min to assess its inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation caused by collagen.
Among the major constituents of AF-08, apigenin and chrysin inhibited platelet aggregation, although kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, and artepirin C did not affect platelet aggregation. The inhibitory effect of AF-08 on platelet aggregation was suggested to be partially due to apigenin and chrysin. Therefore, AF-08 containing apigenin and chrysin may be effective in suppressing platelet-based arterial thrombus formation and reducing the risk of CVDs.