TCM Treatment Evaluation for Cerebral Venous Thrombosis
Prevention of blood clots is a complex task that involves keeping a fine balance in place between the process of coagulation and anticoagulation. Patients on prescription medication as well as any combination of these with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories or aspirin need close monitoring by periodic laboratory testing of their blood. Patients on supplements (such as vitamins, herbs, or oils) need their risk factors (fibrinogen and homocys-teine) evaluated in the same way.  

1. Ginseng
Ginseng has been a staple of Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years and is highly valued by the Chinese people. Ginseng is available from several different countries (China, Japan, Siberia, Korea), each with unique properties.

A recent study conducted in Korea examined the antithrombotic effects of Korean Red Ginseng and a combination of five herbs (Korean Red ginseng, Ganoderma, Cinnamon, Licorice and Laminaria). Both were administered to rats with blood stasis induced by high molecular weight dextran. The researchers found that both compounds significantly inhibited thrombin and collagen-induced platelet aggregation. They also found that the combination formula was more effective than the ginseng alone.  

Panax ginseng is also being studied for its antithrombotic effect. Ginsenosides, a component of ginseng, have been found to be relatively potent antagonists to platelet activating factor.  Study found that Panax ginseng extract significantly decreased platelet adhesiveness and reduced cholesterol levels in rats when administered 6 days before and after hepatectomy (liver removal).

2. Onions
Onion juice has been shown to reduce in vitro human platelet aggregration. To retain their health benefits, onions should be eaten raw or lightly steamed as high heat inactivates the active ingredients.

The anti-platelet aggregation action of onion is attributed to sulfur compounds called thiosulfonates. The strongest thiosulfonates are allicin, propyl propane thiosulfinate, and ethyl ethane thiosulfanate. All three of these thiosulfonate compounds were shown to be significantly more potent platelet aggregrators than aspirin at nearly equivalent doses.

The antithrombotic effects of Welsh onion juice was examined in a study using 9 week old rats. Two days after treatment (2 g/kg/day), the raw Welsh onion juice consumption significantly lowered systolic blood pressure, prolonged the bleeding time, and diminished platelet adhesion as compared to controls. The authors also found that boiled onion juice had no effect.

3. Green tea
Green tea has become very popular for the prevention and treatment of a wide range of diseases. Green tea protects the cardiovascular system and may prevent cancer.  A recent study published in the journal Thrombosis Research examined the effects of green tea catechins (tannins) and epigallocatechin on platelet agregration. Both substances inhibited platelet aggregration induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and collagen in rats. They also inhibited platelet aggregration induced by ADP, collagen, and epinephrine in human blood samples.