Scientists have said nanoparticles of silver may protect against blood clots in coronary artery disease, heart attack and stroke when injected into the bloodstream.

The American Chemical Society has reported lab test results that suggest low levels of the nanosilver injected into mice reduce the ability of platelets to clump together by as much as 40 percent with no apparent harmful side effects.

“Nanosilver appears to possess dual significant properties critically helpful to the health of mankind – antibacterial and antiplatelet – which together can have unique utilities, for example in coronary stents,” the researchers wrote in the journal ACS Nano.

If the results are confirmed, patients will have an alternative to aspirin and anticoagulant agents some of which have caused serious side effects including life-threatening bleeding.

In the meantime, natural health practitioners have recommended using herbal supplements that have blood thinning properties to help prevent clots.

According to the Connective Tissue Disorder website, foods and herbs that are high in blood-thinning salicylates include fruit, especially dried fruits and nuts, as well as spices such as curry powder, cayenne pepper, ginger, paprika, thyme, cinnamon, dill, oregano, licorice and peppermint.