Safety and Efficacy of Pomelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) Peel Methanolic Extract in Prolonging Bleeding and Clotting Time in Albino Rats (Rattus norvegicus)  

AUTHOR

Genevieve D. Tupas, MD, FPPS, MMCE, FPSCEP, Krista Mae Paulino, Joeden Renzes Navaeses, Merthyll Gail Ontal, Bryan Pacana, Fitzerald Palmera, Redemptor Pantonial, Kristine Patarata, Vincent Anthony Peli, Rona Procalla, Ma. Rotchmagne Quiblat, Ma. Melissa Rivera and Ralph Francisco Roferos
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9322-2478

KEYWORDS: 

Citrus grandis, safety, efficacy, bleeding time, clotting time, rats

ABSTRACT

Thrombus formation is the most common underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases. Antiplatelet drugs are costly and pose serious side effects, hence, warranting an effective natural alternative. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of pomelo (Citrus grandis (L.) Osbeck) peel methanolic extract in prolonging bleeding and clotting time in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus). Safety was assessed by subjecting three rats to acute oral toxicity testing. Efficacy was determined by conducting a randomized, controlled, preclinical trial to thirty male rats divided into five groups: the negative control (0.2 mL saline solution), positive control (Clopidogrel 1mg/kg) and experimental control groups using low (15 mg/kg), medium (30 mg/kg) and high dose (60 mg/kg) pomelo peel methanolic extracts. Extract activity was measured through bleeding and clotting time. Baseline bleeding and clotting time were determined. One daily dosing of the intervention was administered for fourteen days. Post-intervention bleeding and clotting time were recorded. Results showed significant prolongation of bleeding and clotting time of rats in a dose dependent manner. The high dose pomelo peel extract showed significantly better results than Clopidogrel.