Characterization and evaluation of in vitro hemostatic properties of Turkish Origanum, Satureja, Thymbra and Thymus spp. essential oils

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the in-vitro haemostatic properties of Origanum, Satureja, Thymbra and Thymus spp. essential oils by prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) tests. Materials and Methods: Essential oils of Origanum dubium Boiss., Origanum majorana L., Origanum onites L., Origanum syriacum subsp. bevanii (Holmes) Greuter & Burdet., Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw., Satureja thymbra L., Thymbra spicata L., Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav., Thymus longicaulis C.Presl and Thymus vulgaris L. were obtained by hydro distillation and analyzed for their chemical composition by gas chromatograph consisting of a mass spectrometer and a flame ionization detector (GC MS/FID). Citrated human plasma were incubated with different concentration of essential oils. Prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time tests were measured using citrated human plasma with a Diagnostica Stago Start coagulation analyzer. Results: All tested essential oils exhibited varying degrees of inhibition on clotting factors, leading to prolonged prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time. Notably, essential oils containing carvacrol demonstrated a greater inhibition of coagulation, even at lower concentrations compared with species containing thymol, which showed comparatively less pronounced effects. Conclusion: It has been established that these essential oils possess anticoagulant properties, inhibiting blood clotting. Consequently, it is important to consider that the topical application of these essential oils, or formulations containing these oils, to open and bleed wounds for their antiseptic benefits may exacerbate bleeding due to their anticoagulant effects.