The Effect of Polygonum Multiflorum Extracts on Hematopoiesis and Platelet Production

• Published in: Blood 2005-11, Vol.106 (11), p.2159-2159
• Main Authors: Yang, Mo, Huang, Wei Zhe, Pong, Nga Hin, Liu, Ai Guo Liu, Li, Chi Kong, Ng, Pak Cheung, Fok, Tai Fai, Li, Karen Kwai Har
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0006-4971; 1528-0020
• DOI: 10.1182/blood.V106.11.2159.2159

To date, there is no ideal treatment for thrombocytopenia. We have proposed a possible mechanism of serotonin (5-HT) on megakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and platelet formation (Yang et al, Blood, 2003 suppl). The root of polygonum multiflorum thunb (Heshouwu) is an important ingredient of many commonly used prescriptions in Chinese medicine for promoting blood production. Polygonum multiflorum extracts (PME) also inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO) and increase the level of 5-HT. Therefore, we hypothesize that polygonum multiflorum may have a promoting effect on thrombopoiesis via inhibition of monoamine oxidase (MAO) to increase 5-HT levels. The objective of this study was to investigate the hematopoietic role of PME in irradiated mice. PME (125 mg/kg/day) and TPO (12.5 ug/kg/day) were given by intra-peritoneal injection daily for 21 days starting from the day after irradiation (4 Gy). Peripheral blood platelets, white blood cells (WBC), and red blood cells (RBC) were analyzed from PME, TPO, and vehicle control groups on day 0, 7, 14 and 21. On day 21, the mice were sacrificed and bone marrow cells were harvested for CFU-MK, CFU-GM, BFU-E, CFU-GEMM and CFU-F (fibroblastoid) assays (n=8). We also investigated the in vitro effect of PME on CFU-F formation. Our results showed that PME enhanced the recovery of platelets, WBC, and RBC counts. Moreover, PME also promoted CFU-MK (30 ± 8 vs 15 ± 3 colonies/2 x 105 cells, p