Summary of Research Findings

Cardiovascular Research (continued)
5. Title
Maharishi Amrit Kalash (MAK-5) Prevents Human Platelet Aggregation
Publication
Clinica and Terapia Cardiovascolare, Vol. 8, No. 3, pp. 227-230, 1989.
Authors
H.M. Sharma,* Y. Feng,** and R.V. Panganamala.**
Conducted at
*Department of Pathology and **Department of Physiological Chemistry, College of Medicine, The Ohio State
University, Columbus, OH
Summary
MAK-5 belongs to a group of substances which are known as “rasayanas.” The purpose of rasayanas is twofold:
prevention of disease and retardation or reversal of the aging process, which results from optimization of
physiological balance (homeostasis). This investigation was conducted to study the effect of MAK-5 on human
platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation can be induced by
free radicals, catechola mines, and vascular linings injured by
oxidized lipids. This in vitro experiment showed that MAK-5
reduces platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma obtained
from normal, healthy subjects. This prevention of aggregation
was seen with the following inducers of platelet aggregation:
catecholamines, which are released during stress;
collagen, which is exposed when vascular endothelium is
injured; arachidonic acid, which is released from injured cell
membranes; and ADP, which is released from injured red
blood cells and platelets. Since platelet aggregation is considered
an important aspect of the initiation and progression
of athero sclerosis, the ability of MAK-5 to reduce platelet
aggre gation may help in the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Study 5 Research Highlights
This in vitro experiment showed that MAK-5 reduces platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma obtained
from normal, healthy subjects. Since platelet aggregation is considered an important aspect of the initiation
and progression of atherosclerosis, the ability of MAK-5 to reduce platelet aggregation may help in the prevention
of atherosclerosis.
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