Potential use of plant proteolytic enzymes in hemostasis

Abstract

The aim of this chapter is to review the development and state of the art in the application of plant proteases, and their effects on hemostasis. Reviewing the proteases that inhibit or enhance platelet aggregation, blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. The ultimate goal is the use of these plant proteases to improve current therapies and overcome drawbacks and deficiencies of the current drugs associated mainly with bleeding disorders. Different methods of extraction and identification have been investigated. Some effects of the identified proteases have been evaluated. We give here an overview of the latest advances in the identification and application of proteases in hemostasis.