Taraxacum coreanum Inhibits Agonist-Induced Platelet Aggregation Without Affecting Blood Coagulation

Taraxacum coreanum Nakai (T. coreanum) is a traditional Korean plant widely consumed for its health benefits, but its role in thrombosis prevention remains unclear. This study examined the inhibitory effects of T. coreanum extract (TCE) on platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. Using washed human platelets and platelet-rich plasma stimulated with collagen, thrombin, ADP, or TPA, TCE significantly inhibited platelet aggregation without cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, TCE reduced serotonin release, ATP release, calcium mobilization, P-selectin expression, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, and thromboxane A2 production. These actions involved the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 activity and modulation of PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling. TCE also enhanced the cAMP pathway, increasing PKA, VASP, and IP3R1 phosphorylation, and delayed thrombin-induced clot retraction. These results suggest that TCE exerts potent anti-platelet and anti-thrombotic effects by modulating key pathways involved in platelet activation and thrombus formation. Thus, TCE may represent a promising natural therapeutic agent for preventing thrombotic diseases.