Exploring the Blood-Clot Busting Power of Green Kiwifruit

Greg Howard
16th June, 2024

Exploring the Blood-Clot Busting Power of Green Kiwifruit

Crude enzyme extract from green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa) demonstrates potent, dose-dependent thrombolytic activity, significantly reducing blood clot mass (c) and increasing the release of red blood cells (b) over a 6-hour incubation period (a).

Image adapted from: Pinontoan et al. / CC BY (Source)

Key Findings

  • The study by Universitas Pelita Harapan found that green kiwifruit extract significantly reduced blood clots by 73% within 6 hours
  • The kiwifruit enzyme actinidin rapidly degraded fibrin chains, which are crucial for blood clot formation
  • Molecular simulations confirmed the stable binding of actinidin to fibrin chains, supporting its potential as a natural thrombolytic agent
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), primarily driven by thrombosis complications, are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating the development of alternative treatments. In a recent study conducted by Universitas Pelita Harapan, the thrombolytic potential of green kiwifruit (Actinidia deliciosa cultivar Hayward) was evaluated using both in-vitro and in-silico approaches[1]. This research could pave the way for natural, plant-based therapeutic agents for CVDs. The study found that crude green kiwifruit extract significantly reduced blood clots by 73.0 ± 1.12% (P < 0.01) within 6 hours. This was achieved through the rapid degradation of Aα and Bβ fibrin chains, followed by the γ chain, in fibrinolytic assays. Molecular docking revealed six favorable conformations for the kiwifruit enzyme actinidin (ADHact) and fibrin chains, supported by spontaneous binding energies and distances. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed the binding stability of these complexes, indicated by stable binding affinity, a high number of hydrogen bonds, and consistent distances between the catalytic residue Cys25 of ADHact and the peptide bond. The better overall binding affinity of ADHact to fibrin chains Aα and Bβ may contribute to their faster degradation, supporting the fibrinolytic results. This study builds on previous findings that highlight the complex interplay between thrombosis and inflammation in cardiovascular diseases. For instance, research has shown that inflammation and thrombosis are closely linked, a phenomenon known as immunothrombosis, which plays a crucial role in the body's defense mechanisms but can also lead to severe cardiovascular complications when aberrantly activated[2]. Targeting inflammation to prevent thrombosis has emerged as a promising strategy, as it leaves haemostasis mainly unaffected and circumvents the risk of bleeding associated with current antithrombotic approaches[2]. Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, remain a cornerstone in the treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, these medications carry a risk of excess bleeding, especially in primary prevention scenarios where the benefits are minimal[3]. The new findings on green kiwifruit extract offer an alternative by potentially reducing thrombotic events without the associated bleeding risks. Warfarin, a long-standing anticoagulant, has been effective but comes with significant side effects, including an increased risk of systemic arterial calcification, which is linked to higher cardiovascular morbidity and mortality[4]. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been shown to have a superior side effect profile, particularly in reducing major bleeding and slower progression of vascular calcification compared to warfarin[4]. The green kiwifruit enzyme actinidin could provide a natural alternative to these synthetic drugs, offering a safer profile for long-term use. In low- and middle-income countries, where advanced treatments like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are not widely available, fibrinolytic agents like tenecteplase (TNK) and streptokinase (SK) are crucial for managing myocardial infarction (MI). Studies have shown that TNK is more effective in complete ST-segment resolution and symptom relief compared to SK, with fewer risks of major bleeding and long-term mortality[5]. The green kiwifruit extract could serve as an additional, cost-effective option for thrombolytic therapy in these regions. In conclusion, the study by Universitas Pelita Harapan demonstrates the significant thrombolytic potential of green kiwifruit-derived enzyme actinidin, highlighting its role as a natural, plant-based prophylactic and therapeutic agent for cardiovascular diseases. This research not only supports the existing body of knowledge on the link between thrombosis and inflammation but also offers a promising alternative to traditional antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapies.

FruitsHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) In-vitro and in-silico analyses of the thrombolytic potential of green kiwifruit.

Published 14th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64160-y

Related Studies

2) Interplay between inflammation and thrombosis in cardiovascular pathology.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41569-021-00552-1

3) Antiplatelet therapy in cardiovascular disease: Current status and future directions.

https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.15221

4) The Effects of Warfarin and Direct Oral Anticoagulants on Systemic Vascular Calcification: A Review.

https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10040773

5) A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Safety of Tenecteplase Versus Streptokinase in the Management of Myocardial Infarction in Developing Countries.

https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.44125


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