Cardioprotective effect of Lagenaria siceraria (LS) fruit powder in isoprenalin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Aim of studyThe objective of the study was to evaluate the cardioprotective activity of Lagenaria siceraria (LS) fruit powder in isoprenalin (ISO) induced cardiotoxicity in rats.Material and methodsMale Wistar rats (200-230 g) were divided into four groups. Grp I: control, Grp II: isoprenalin (5.25 mg/kg, s.c. on day 50th and 8.5 mg/kg on day 51th), Grp III: LS fruit powder (500 mg/kg, p.o.) suspended in gum accacia (2%) for 49 days and isoprenalin (5.25 mg/kg, s.c. on day 50th and 8.5 mg/kg on day 51th), Grp IV: LS fruit powder (500 mg/kg, p.o.) for 51 days. On days 0 and 52nd blood was withdrawn by retro-orbital puncture for estimation of marker enzymes. Haemodynamic parameters were recorded. Animals were sacrificed and histology of vital organs was performed.ResultsIsoprenalin showed cardiotoxicity, manifested by increase in heart rate and serum marker enzyme. LS alone produced bradycardia. In LS pretreated rats isoprenalin neither increased heart rate nor produced the hypotensive effect. The histopathology of the heart showed myocardial damage by isoprenalin, damage was lower in LS + ISO pretreated rats.ConclusionIt has been concluded that LS fruit powder (500 mg/kg) pretreatment for 51 days protects the heart of rats in isoprenalin-induced cardiotoxicity.