[Effect of total saponins from rhizomes and flowers of Panax notoginseng on tumor cell induced platelet aggregation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of total saponins from rhizomes and flowers of Panax notoginseng on tumor cell induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA). METHODS: MDA-MB-231 breast carcinoma was applied as inductor and the platelet aggregation were investigated by Born's method in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Saponins from the flowers of Panax notoginseng inhibited TCIPA at the dose of 120, 240, 480 mg/L respectively in vitro and in vivo. Saponins from rhizomes of Panax notoginseng inhibited TCIPA only at its high dose in vivo. CONCLUSION: The saponins from Panax notoginseng has a dose-dependent inhibition of TCIPA. It may be a new class of antimetastatic agent.