Jacqueline Foumane*, Florence Ndedi, Roumy Sonké, Jagoret Barbier

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of thrombotic disorders is steadily increasing, and anticoagulant medications are often required for long-term management. However, some patients turn to plantbased remedies as alternatives. The present study aimed to evaluate the anticoagulant and antioxidant activities of Alstonia boonei stem bark. Stem bark of A. boonei was collected from Noepe and authenticated by the Botany Department at the University of Lomé. The bark was washed, shade-dried, ground, and macerated in a 50:50 hydroalcoholic solution at room temperature. The macerate was double-filtered and evaporated to obtain the extract. Male Wistar rats were used for in vivo experiments. Qualitative phytochemical screening was performed using standard procedures, and total phenolic content was quantified. Key coagulation parameters—including platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin ratio (PR), and fibrinogen levels—were assessed. Oxidative stress was induced using Fe-NTA. Data were analyzed with GraphPad® Prism using oneway ANOVA, and Tukey’s post hoc test determined statistical significance (p < 0.05). Phytochemical analysis revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract contained phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and coumarins. Administration of the extract significantly increased aPTT and decreased PR. Oxidative stress in vivo caused elevated platelet counts and PR, along with decreased aPTT and fibrinogen levels. Treatment with the extract reversed these changes by reducing platelet counts and PR while increasing aPTT and fibrinogen levels. Additionally, the extract significantly lowered malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in stressed rats. Alstonia boonei exhibits both anticoagulant and antioxidant activities, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits in thrombotic conditions. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying its interaction with oxidative stress and coagulation factors. Keywords: Alstonia boonei; Hydroalcoholic stem bark extract; Blood coagulation; Platelet count; Prothrombin ratio; Oxidative stress; Malondialdehyde; Anticoagulant activity; Antioxidant activity; Thrombotic disorders; Wistar rats; Hemostasis; Fe-NTAinduced oxidative stress; In vivo study; In vitro study.