Cardioprotective effect of Urtica parviflora leaf extract against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Abstract

AimThe present study evaluated the cardioprotective property of the hydroethanol extract of Urtica parviflora leaf material (EEUP) against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. MethodsCardiotoxicity was produced by doxorubicin administration (15 mg·kg−1 i.p. for 21 days). The rats received EEUP at 200 and 400 mg·kg−1 b.w. (i.p.) daily for 21 days. After 24 h, serum cardiac biomarkers, i.e. creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH); serum lipid profiles, like high density lipoprotein (HDL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride (TG); serum biochemical parameters, viz. aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); myocardial antioxidant parameters, viz. malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were measured. ResultsEEUP treatment significantly (P < 0.01) and dose dependently protected the myocardium by decreasing the elevated level of MDA; elevating the diminished levels of GSH, SOD, CAT and HDL, with a concomitant decrease in the elevated levels of HDL, LDL, and TG. EEUP also significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the increased activities of AST, ALT, ALP, CPK and LDH. The results revealed that EEUP demonstrated dose dependent cardioprotective efficacy by restoration of the serum biomarkers profile and antioxidant property. ConclusionFrom the present study, U. parviflora leaf extract showed promising cardioprotective effect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar rats.