Russian scientists develop spruce compounds that slow blood clotting

Russian researchers have developed new compounds based on spruce extracts that, according to lab tests, are effective in slowing blood clotting, a study recently published in the open-access journal Polysaccharides shows.

The researchers obtained the compounds by modifying the structure of a natural polysaccharide extracted from spruce, adding sulfates to improve water solubility. Natural plant polysaccharides are known for being safe and biocompatible with the human body.

In lab tests, researchers from the Krasnoyarsk Scientific Center, in partnership with Siberian Federal University and the Russian Ministry of Health, found that the modified compounds can slow blood clotting, which is important in preventing conditions such as thrombosis.

The study also reported that the compounds demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, neutralizing up to 96% of free radicals – harmful molecules that can damage cells, accelerate aging, and contribute to disease development.

Researchers believe the findings could lead to the development of new, more effective medicines with fewer side effects and lower doses. The modified compounds may also be used to develop drug delivery systems and biomedical coatings that resist clot formation.