Evaluation of Anticoagulant Effect of Alum in Rats

Abstract

Potassium aluminium sulfate, KAl(SO4)2, also called Alum, is an acidic white chemical substance. The role of alum in bleeding and clotting is not fully understood. Objective: To determine the effects of alum on clotting time, D-dimer levels, fasting blood glucose level, and lipid profile. Methods: The study was conducted on 24 male Wistar rats, which were randomly divided into six groups. Four groups were given different concentrations of alum solutions. The remaining two groups received warfarin, and distilled water, which are control, and placebo groups, respectively. Blood tests such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), D-dimers, clotting time, and lipid profile were performed. Results: The study found that the administration of alum prolonged the time it took for blood to coagulate. Alum showed a dose dependent increase in clotting time when compared to the warfarin-control group and group 4 (100 mg/kg alum dose) showed the most significant effect. Similarly, in the case of D-dimers, a dose dependent decrease in the level of D-dimers was seen and the most significant effect was found for high concentration. The plasma blood glucose and lipid level of animals treated with alum did not show any significant effect as compared to placebo. Conclusions: The efficacy of alum as an anticoagulant drug was investigated, and it was found to significantly prolong clotting time while simultaneously reducing the level of D-dimers. Furthermore, it was deemed safe and showed no effects on fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile. The safety profile of alum was assessed to be favorable, thus highlighting its potential as an anticoagulant drug of the future