Antioxidant Activity of Andrographis paniculata in Ischemic Myocardium of Rats

Abstract: Hydroalcoholic extract of Andrographis paniculata prevented isoproterenol induced increase in lipid peroxidation and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes viz. super oxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and the levels of reduced glutathione in hearts. In addition, the extract also prevented the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase from heart and salvages the heart from isoproterenol induced myocardial ischemic injury. The results indicate the antioxidant, antilipid peroxidative and antiischemic activity of A. paniculata and justify its use in ischemic heart diseases. Key words: Andrographis paniculata Antioxidant Heart Oxidative stress INTRODUCTION New Delhi, on the basis of routine pharmacognistical Andrograph paniculata (Burm f.) Nees microscopic observations. The voucher specimen of (Acanthaceae) is a perennial herb widely cultivated in lyophilized hydroalcoholic extracts of A. paniculata has tropical and subtropical areas, south-east Asia and been deposited for further reference. India. In India it is known as ‘Kalmegh ’ and in China it i