Cardioprotective Effect of Morus Alba L. Leaves in Isoprenaline Induced Rats

The study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of methanolic extract of Morus alba L. leaves against isoprenalineinduced myocardial infarction and was investigated by an in vivo method in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n=6). Group I rats served as normal control. Group II rats served as isoprenaline induced toxic control (110 mg/kg body weight) which was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) for two consecutive days (14 and 15 days). Group III rats were given Morus alba intragastric intubation (500 mg/kg body weight) for 15 days. Group IV rats were also given Morus alba as in Group III and additionally isoprenaline was given for two consecutive days (14 and 15 days).The results described the cardioprotective effect that was observed in Group IV which showed a significant (P< 0.05) decreased levels of TBARS and enhanced the activities of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) in myocardial infarcted rats when compared to Groups II and III. In serum, the biomarkers (LDH, CK) activities were significantly (P< 0.05) increased in Group II compared to pretreated Group IV. Histopathological studies were also co-relating with the above biochemical parameters. These findings concluded the cardioprotective effect of Morus alba on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant defense system during isoprenaline -induced myocardial infarction in rats. INTRODUCTION: Natural drugs are gaining greater acceptance from the public and the medical profession due to greater advances in understanding the mechanism of action by which herbs can positively influence health and quality . Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as hypertension and myocardial infarction (MI) are the most important cause of mortality in developing countries due to changing lifestyles . MI is the acute condition of myocardial necrosis that occurs as a result of imbalance between coronary blood supply and myocardial demands, it increases the generation of reactive oxygen species in ischemic tissue, bringing about oxidative damage of membrane lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and DNA and brings changes in the mechanical, electrical, structural and biochemical properties of the heart . Although modern drugs are effective in preventing the cardiovascular disorders, their use is often limited because of their side effects and adverse reactions . Isoprenaline, a synthetic catecholamine has toxic effect on the myocardium. Amongst the various mechanisms proposed to explain isoprenaline-induced cardiac damage, generation of highly cytotoxic free radicals through auto-oxidation of catecholamines has been implicated as one of the important causative factor. Correspondence to Author: