Thrombosis Research

Volume 115, Issues 1–2, 2005, Pages 31–37

Regular article

Effects of armagnac or vodka on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers: a randomized controlled clinical trial

• Anwar Umar^{a, b},
• Fanny Depont^a,
• Alain Jacquet^a,
• Severine Lignot^a,
• Marie Claude Segur^c,
• Michel Boisseau^d,
• Bernard Bégaud^a,
• Nicholas Moore^{a, ,}

doi:10.1016/j.thromres.2004.07.006

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Abstract

Background

Cardiovascular mortality is especially low in southwest France (the French Paradox). In previous experimental studies, we found that alcohol-free extracts of armagnac could inhibit human platelet function in vitro and experimental thrombosis in vivo. To test the possible relevance of these findings, we tested the effects of daily use of small quantities of armagnac against same alcohol strength, polyphenol-free vodka in healthy volunteers. MethodRandomized controlled trial comparing 5-year old armagnac (30 ml/day for 2 weeks) to same alcoholic strength vodka, in 20 healthy volunteers, on platelet aggregation induced by ADP, collagen, and thrombin, as well as bleeding time, partial thromboplastin time (pTT), and plasma lipids during and after consumption. Platelet testing was done blind. ResultsAfter 14 days, ADP-induced platelet aggregation was inhibited more in armagnac (−31±3.2% compared to pretreatment values, p<.01) than in vodka (−11.0±6.8%, NS) users (p<.05, armagnac vs. vodka). A rebound increase of aggregation was found 2 weeks later in vodka but not in armagnac users. The same pattern was found for thrombin-induced aggregation, including post-treatment rebound. No effect was found on collagen-induced aggregation, bleeding time, pTT, or plasma lipids.

Conclusion

The chronic ingestion of moderate quantities of armagnac modified platelet aggregation to ADP in healthy volunteers. The difference with the effects of same alcohol degree vodka is in favour of an effect of the nonalcoholic fraction in the effects of armagnac, rather than just alcohol. All spirits may not be equal for cardioprotection.

Keywords

• Armagnac;
• Vodka;
• Spirits;
• Polyphenols;
• Platelet aggregation;
• ADP;
• Randomized controlled clinical trial;
• Healthy volunteers

Corresponding author. Tel.: +33 557 57 15 60; fax: +33 557 57 46 71.

Copyright © 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.