title: Extracts of feverfew may inhibit platelet behaviour via neutralization of sulphydryl groups.
abstract: It has been suggested that extracts of feverfew may inhibit platelet behaviour via effects on platelet sulphydryl groups. In the present study we have obtained evidence for such a mode of action. Compounds that contain sulphydryl groups such as cysteine and N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine prevented the inhibition of platelet behaviour by feverfew. Feverfew and parthenolide (one of the active components of feverfew) dramatically reduced the number of acid-soluble sulphydryl groups in platelets. This effect occurred at concentrations similar to those that inhibited platelet secretory activity. Feverfew itself did not induce the formation of disulphide-linked protein polymers in platelets but polymer formation occurred when aggregating agents were added to feverfew-treated platelets. Feverfew evoked changes in the metabolism of arachidonic acid that were similar to those observed in glutathione-depleted platelets.
mesh_terms: D016718:Arachidonic Acid; D001095:Arachidonic Acids / Q000378:metabolism; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D001797:Blood Protein Electrophoresis; D003545:Cysteine / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000032:analysis*; D010974:Platelet Aggregation / Q000187:drug effects; D012717:Sesquiterpenes / Q000494:pharmacology; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D001095:Arachidonic Acids; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D010936:Plant Extracts; D012717:Sesquiterpenes; D013438:Sulfhydryl Compounds; D016718:Arachidonic Acid; C002669:parthenolide; D003545:Cysteine