Thromboxane is a member of the family of lipids known as eicosanoids. The two major thromboxanes are thromboxane A2 and thromboxane B2. The distinguishing feature of thromboxanes is a 6-membered ether-containing ring. Thromboxane is named for its role in clot formation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of NSAIDs are primarily due to inhibition of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) which participates in the synthesis of prostaglandins and thromboxanes 1)
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) is used for the treatment of dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Fish oil may affect platelet aggregation by a reduction in arachidonic acid and thromboxane and adenosine diphosphate receptor blockade. Fish oil may also potentially lengthen bleeding times 2) 3) 4).
Garlic (Allium sativum): purported benefits include lowering blood pressure, preventing infection and myocardial infarction, and treating hypercholesterolemia. Garlic has an antiplatelet effect through ADP receptor blockade, and reducing calcium and thromboxane 5). Garlic may potentiate the antiplatelet or anticoagulant effect of aspirin or warfarin 6).
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) has antiplatelet activity through thromboxane inhibition and platelet-activating factor 7).
Some authors also advocate cautious use of ginger and vitamin E when planning a surgery, but the exact antiplatelet mechanism is unclear 8).