Anti-Inflammatory and Antithrombotic Effects of Sideritis scardica Extracts: Implications for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Therapy

Chronic inflammation and platelet hyperactivity are central contributors to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Sideritis scardica (Greek mountain tea), a medicinal herb endemic to the Balkans, is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polar lipids—compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective properties.

This study investigated the potential of S. scardica extracts to modulate key molecular processes associated with cardiovascular inflammation and thrombotic risk. Phytochemical profiling via liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed a high content of bioactive secondary metabolites. Antioxidant activity was confirmed through DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, indicating strong free radical scavenging capacity. Crucially, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic activities were evaluated using ex vivo human platelet aggregation assays. The extracts significantly inhibited platelet-activating factor (PAF) while mildly inhibited ADP-induced platelet aggregation —two major pathways implicated in vascular inflammation and thrombus formation.

These findings suggest that S. scardica extracts may offer a novel, natural therapeutic approach for mitigating inflammatory and thrombotic mechanisms in CVD. Given their favorable safety profile and bioactivity, these phytochemicals warrant further exploration in preclinical and clinical models as adjuncts in cardiovascular disease prevention and management.