Cardioprotective effect of Sanguisorba minor against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in rats

Introduction: Oxidative stress is a major instigator of various cardiovascular diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). Despite available drugs, there is still an increased need to look for alternative therapies or identify new bioactive compounds. Sanguisorba minor (S. minor) is a native herb characterized by its potent antioxidant activity. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of S. minor against isoprenaline-induced MI.Methods: Rats were treated with the hydro-ethanolic extract of the aerial parts of S. minor at doses of 100 or 300 mg/kg orally for 9 days. Isoprenaline was injected subcutaneously at the dose of 85 mg/kg on days 8 and 9. Then, the activities of various cardiac injury markers including cardiac troponin (cTnT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase muscle brain (CK-MB), creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), and antioxidant enzymes in serum were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and thiol content were measured in cardiac tissue, and histopathological analysis was conducted.Results: Our results show that isoprenaline increased the serum levels of cTnT, LDH, CK-MB, and CPK (p < 0.001) and elevated MDA levels (p < 0.001) in cardiac tissue. Isoprenaline also reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and thiol content (p < 0.001). Importantly, the extract abolished isoprenaline-induced MI by elevating SOD and catalase (p < 0.001), reducing levels of MDA, and diminishing levels of cTnT, LDH, CK-MB, and CPK cardiac markers (p < 0.001). Histopathological studies of the cardiac tissue showed isoprenaline-induced injury that was significantly attenuated by the extract.Conclusion: Our results suggest that S. minor could abrogate isoprenaline-induced cardiac toxicity due to its ability to mitigate oxidative stress

Protective effects of Portulaca oleracea and vitamin E on cardiovascular parameters in rats with subclinical hyperthyroidism

Introduction Subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHT) is an endocrine disorder that is associated with abnormalities in heart structure and function. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cardiac disorders caused by SHT. Portulaca oleracea (P. Oleracea) is a herbaceous plant with many pharmacologic effects including antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, the effects of Portulaca oleracea and vitamin E on the biochemical, hemodynamic, and functional parameters of the cardiac tissue was studied in rats with subclinical hyperthyroidism. Methods Fifty-six male rats were divided into seven groups: 1-Control group: daily injection of saline, 2-SHT group: daily injection of levothyroxine sodium (LS) (20 µg/kg), 3- T4+Po groups were given LS and P. oleracea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in drinking water), 4- the T4+vit E groups received LS and a daily injection of vitamin E (100 and 200 mg/kg). Cardiac index, systolic blood pressure (SBP), also malondialdehyde and total thiol levels were measured in cardiac tissue. Results SBP and maximum dP/dt were significantly increased and minimum dP/dt was significantly decreased in SHT group. In P. oleracea groups, maximum dP/dt were significantly reduced and minimum dP/dt was increased. Malondialdehyde levels and cardiac index in groups receiving vitamin E and P. oleracea were significantly decreased. Maximum dP/dt was decreased in the group receiving LS+vitamin E. Minimum dP/dt was significantly higher in group received LS+ vitamin E. Conclusion This study showed that Portulaca oleracea has a positive effect on cardiac dysfunction caused by subclinical hyperthyroidism

Effect of Long-term Administration of Ferula Gummosa Root Extract on Serum Oxidant-antioxidant Status: Effect of long-term administration of Ferula gummosa root extract on serum oxidant-antioxidant status

Ferula gummosa Boiss is a good source of biologically active compounds such as monoterpene and sesquiterpene derivatives. There are also several reports on antioxidant effects of these compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of daily administration of F. gummosa root hydro-alcoholic extract on serum oxidant-antioxidant status. Twenty four Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups: (1) control, (2) F. gummosa extract 100 mg/kg, and (3) F. gummosa extract 600 mg/kg. The extract was administered by orogastric gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days. The activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA, as a marker of lipid peroxidation) and total thiol groups were evaluated in blood samples of fasting animals on day 0 and day 28. F. gummosa extract at both doses significantly increased the activity of catalase (p<0.01). The extract at dose of 600 mg/kg significantly increased the activity of SOD (p<0.05), and reduced the level of MDA. F. gummosa had no effect on content of total thiol groups. In conclusion, long-term consumption of hydro-alcoholic extract of F. gummosa root increases the defense of the body against oxidative stress by increasing the activity of catalase and SOD, and by reducing lipid peroxidation