Effects of common supplements on human platelet aggregation in vitro

Numerous factors can trigger platelet aggregation, and many compounds have been assessed for their ability to inhibit this process. However, conventional anti-platelet drugs have numerous side effects that warrant the development of alternative therapies. Considering the importance of platelets in thrombotic events and the economic burdens associated with cardiovascular disease (CVDs), exploring alternative therapies synergistic with conventional pharmacotherapies is paramount. In this study, we sought to investigate the role of dietary supplements on platelet aggregation. We hypothesized that common dietary supplements would act to prevent platelet aggregation in an in vitro assay. We examined supplements that had claims of general health benefits related to decreasing inflammation, a factor established as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We tested nicotinamide mononucleotide, ResveraCel, Meriva, berberine, and zinc. We treated human platelets with these five supplements and evaluated their ability to modulate platelet aggregation. Aggregates were defined by treating platelets with a positive control, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, which is known to induce aggregation via the activation of surface adhesion molecules. The number of platelet aggregates was quantified using a hemocytometer and microscope. While some supplements promoted platelet aggregation, ResveraCel and berberine were found to reduce platelet aggregation. These results open the potential for a new understanding of the role nutritional supplementation may play in CVDs.