Hydroalcoholic extract of arum orientale ameliorates myocardial infarction induced by isoproterenol in rats

Abstract

Arum species have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects. However, there is no study on its possible cardioprotective effects. In the present study, the protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Arum orientale (A. orientale) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) were evaluated. For induction of MI the rats were received isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) for two consecutive days, whereas treated groups received 40, 80 and 160 mg/kg/day of hydroalcoholic extract of A.orientale intraperitoneally (ip) 20 min before each Isoproterenol injection. Isoproterenol-induced MI significantly increased myocardial necrosis and neutrophil infiltration. Histopathological analysis showed that A. orientale at dose of 160 mg/kg significantly reduced necrosis and neutrophil infiltration in the heart tissue (P< 0.046 and P<0.048, respectively). Induction of MI also increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and peripheral neutrophil percent. While A. orientale similarly decreased MPO activity and peripheral neutrophils in blood (P<0.021 p<0.042 respectively) at dose of 160 mg/kg. Administration of the extract markedly decreased serum malondialdehyde level at dose of 80 mg/kg and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity with all doses. Our results for the first time reported potential cardioprotective effects of A. orientale that partially can be through suppression of inflammatory responses and reduction of lipid peroxidation following MI. However, any suggestions for potential use in MI needs further studies.