Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of high incidence diseases in cold areas: the thrombotic diseases

Abstract Thrombotic diseases are the leading causes of death worldwide, especially in cold climates. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-based therapies have gained increasing popularity worldwide, but also raised some concerns about its efficacy, safety profile and exact mechanisms. TCM has been traditionally used in the management of thrombosis and convincingly proven effective in modifying thrombosis progression, particularly the platelet function, coagulation system and fibrinolytic system. This review article focuses on TCM regulation of thrombosis with brief discussion on the fundamental aspects and relevant background information for better understanding of the subject. In addition to its antithrombotic effects, we will dive insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of TCM as pharmacological regulators of platelet aggregation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis. With increasing awareness and understanding of the benefits and potentials of TCM, TCM products will in no doubt gain its broader applications in the treatment of thrombosis and associated disorders, which in turn will deepen our understanding of its pharmacological and molecular mechanisms. Finally, current review provides a perspective view on the future directions to TCM research on thrombosis.