Partial identification of the fibrinolytic activators in onion.

A steam-distilled and an ether extract of onion have both been found to enhance blood fibrinolysis without depressing fibrinogen content in groups of human volunteers. Chemical analysis has shown which sulphur-containing compounds were in highest concentration and common to both and thus likely to carry this property, but their very intense and prolonged flavour precludes their clinical use. One sulphur containing but nearly odourless compound has been identified as having indirect fibrinolytic potential. A species difference in respect of fibrinolysis has been found between English and Spanish onion but is of little importance.