Aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala Sond ameliorates isoproterenol–induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

Purpose: To evaluate the protective potentials of the aqueous root extract of Dicoma anomala (AQRED) against isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial damage in Wistar rats.Methods: Myocardial damage was induced in Wistar rats by isoproterenol (60 mg/kg body weight, b.w.) Various concentrations (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg b.w.) of AQRED and their effects on the rats’ feed and water intake, body weight changes, serum enzymes, including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) creatinine phosphokinase (CPK), as well as tissue antioxidant enzymes, including catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and lipid peroxidation, during a 30-day experimental period were examined.Results: ISP-treated rats showed no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the feed, water and body weight but increased significantly (p < 0.05) AST, ALT, CPK and lipid peroxidation while significantly reducing CAT and GP levels (p < 0.05). Treatment with different doses of AQRED significantly (p < 0.05) reversed the activity of these enzymes and cardiac lipid peroxidation towards control levels. Histopathological examination of ISP-induced myocardial rats treated with D. anomala revealed evidence of oedema and myocardial necrosis at 125 and 250 mg/kg b.w. doses, but these alterations were ameliorated or cleared at 500 mg/kg dose, suggesting attainment of maximum efficacy.Conclusion: The findings indicate the ameliorative potential of AQRED in myocardiac disease, and therefore, could be of therapeutic significance in the management or treatment of cardiac-related diseases.Keywords: Antioxidant enzymes, Dicoma anomala, Lipid peroxidation, Serum enzyme