Platelet-activating factor [Neurosurgery Wiki]

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====== Platelet-activating factor ======

[[Platelet]]-activating factor, also known as PAF, PAF-acether or AGEPC (acetyl-glyceryl-ether-phosphorylcholine), is a potent [[phospholipid]] activator and mediator of many [[leukocyte]] functions, [[platelet aggregation]] and degranulation, inflammation, and anaphylaxis. It is also involved in changes to vascular permeability, the oxidative burst, chemotaxis of leukocytes, as well as augmentation of arachidonic acid metabolism in phagocytes.
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[[Ginseng]] (Panax ginseng) has [[antiplatelet]] activity through [[thromboxane]] inhibition and [[platelet-activating factor]]
((Teng CM, Kuo SC, Ko FN, et al. Antiplatelet actions of panaxynol and ginsenosides isolated from gin- seng. Biochim Biophys Acta. 1989; 990:315–320)).

Some authors also advocate cautious use of ginger and vitamin E when planning a surgery, but the exact antiplatelet mechanism is unclear
((Stanger MJ, Thompson LA, Young AJ, et al. Anticoagulant activity of select dietary supplements. Nutr Rev. 2012; 70:107–117)).