Prosthechea karwinskii leaves extract with potential for the treatment of atherothrombosis

Prosthechea karwinskii is an orchid endemic to southeastern Mexico used in traditional medicine. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective activity. Given the relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress, and coagulation in the development of atherothrombosis, the objective of this research was to evaluate the potential of P. karwinskii leaves extract as a possible alternative to reduce the risk of atherothrombosis. The compounds of the extract were identified by UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS. The content of total phenols and flavonoids was measured, as well as its antioxidant capacity (DPPH and DCFH-DA essays) and its effect on clotting times. The results showed the presence of phenolic and flavonoid compounds in the extract, as well as their antioxidant capacity. In addition, the extract prolonged clotting times, mainly thrombin, and activated partial thromboplastin times, i.e., it inhibited the intrinsic pathway of hemostasis and the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin. These results and the background of the extract show its potential as a treatment to reduce atherothrombotic risk, as well as for other diseases whose pathogenesis involves oxidative stress and coagulation.