Cardio Protective Effect of Caesalpinia crista Linn. on Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Necrosis in Rats

Abstract

The alcoholic and aqueous extract of Caesalpinia crista Linn (Caesalpiniaceae) was evaluated for protection against isoproterenol (85 mg/kg b.w.) induced myocardial infarction in albino rats. The heart damage induced by isoproterenol was indicated by elevated levels of the marker enzymes such as Creatine Kinase-isoenzyme (CK-MB), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) and Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT) in serum with increased lipid peroxide and reduced glutathione content in heart homogenates. Microscopical examination (histopathology) was also performed on the myocardial tissue. Pretreatment with an ethanolic and aqueous extract of Caesalpinia crista Linn at a dose of 400 mg/kg body wt., administered orally for 30 days, reduced significantly (p < 0.01) the elevated marker enzyme levels in serum and heart homogenates in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction. Histopathological observation revealed a marked protection by the extract in myocardial necrotic damage.