Cardioprotective effect of whole fruit extract of pomegranate on doxorubicin-induced toxicity in rat

Abstract

Context: Cardioprotective effects of various plants are generally attributed to their antioxidant activity. The whole fruit extract of pomegranate (WFEP), Punica granatum L. (Punicaceae), has a potent antioxidant activity. Objective: To investigate cardioprotective effect of WFEP against doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Male Wistar rats were divided randomly into three groups of eight rats each: control (water, 5 mL/kg); Dox (10 mg/kg i.v.) and WFEP (100 mg/kg). Dox was administered in Dox and WFEP groups. After anesthetizing the animals on the last day, electrocardiogram was recorded and blood was analyzed for creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities. Determinations of superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO) and histopathology of the heart tissues were carried out. Results: The WFEP group showed decreased QT and increase in heart rate (p < 0.05) compared to the Dox group. Significant decrease in CK-MB (p < 0.01), LDH (p < 0.05) and no such significant decrease in AST were observed as compared to the Dox group. There was significant increase in the level of GSH (p < 0.05), whereas inhibition of LPO and increase in SOD concentration was not significant in the WFEP group compared to the Dox group. Histopathological study of the WFEP-treated group showed slight protection against myocardial toxicity induced by Dox. Conclusion: Results indicate that WFEP has cardioprotective effect against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. © 2011 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.