In vitro assessment of the effect of Undaria pinnatifida extracts on erythrocytes membrane integrity and blood coagulation parameters of Equus caballus

Objective: To study the activity of polysaccharides extracted from Undaria pinnatifida (U. pinnatifida) in vitro on red blood cell of Equus caballus, and compare it with heparin. Methods: Algal extracts was tested at two different concentrations 10 mg/mL and 20 mg/mL. In all studies, using horse red blood cells, control experiments were carried out without extract. We evaluated the toxicity of algal extracts through trypan blue test and haemolysis test and anticoagulant action measured by activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and fibrinogen test. Results: The polysaccharide extract of U. pinnatifida appeared to have no cytotoxic effect on the horse red blood cells. The values of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and fibrinogen were significantly changed in the presence of the extract. Conclusions: This study suggests a possible exploitation of U. pinnatifida, thriving in the lagoon of Venice, as a source of anticoagulant drug, with the aim of transforming waste into a valuable biomass.