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.
