Cardioprotective effects of <i>Galium verum</i> L. extract against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Abstract

The aim of our study was to determine a chemical composition of methanol extract of <i>Galium verum</i> as well as to assess its effects on functional recovery and redox status of isolated rat heart after ischemia. Rats were divided into control and <i>G. verum</i> group, which included animals treated with 500 mg/kg of methanol extract of <i>G. verum</i> for 28 days. Parameters of heart function and oxidative stress markers were estimated. Cell morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Our results demonstrated for the first time that <i>G. verum</i> extract preserved cardiac contractility, systolic, and diastolic function as wells as structural damage of the heart after ischemia. Furthermore, <i>G. verum</i> extract modulated the activity of antioxidant enzymes and alleviated the production of pro-oxidants.