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Anti-oxidative stress effects of Herba leonuri on ischemic rat hearts
Jian Sun1, Shan Hong Huang, Yi Chun Zhu
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent, 119260, Singapore.
Insights
Herba leonuri extract demonstrates significant antioxidant effects, protecting the heart from oxidative stress during myocardial infarction. This natural compound helps preserve the body's natural defenses against free radicals.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Myocardial infarction (MI) involves oxidative stress, damaging heart tissue.
- Natural compounds are explored for cardioprotective and antioxidant properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antioxidant and cardioprotective effects of Herba leonuri (HL) extract on ischemic myocardium.
Main Methods:
- Rats were administered HL extract (400 mg/kg/day) orally for 4 weeks, starting before induced myocardial infarction.
- Biochemical assays were performed on left ventricular tissue at various time points post-MI.
Main Results:
- HL extract exhibited significant antioxidant effects both in vitro and in vivo.
- HL preserved the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.
- HL reduced malondialdehyde formation, indicating decreased lipid peroxidation, particularly in the acute phase of MI.
Conclusions:
- Herba leonuri extract possesses antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress in ischemic conditions.
- HL's ability to scavenge free radicals and inhibit reactive oxygen species formation is crucial for its cardioprotective effects.
Abstract:
Our current study was to test the hypothesis that the extract of Herba leonuri (HL) would have antioxidant and cardioprotective effects on ischemic myocardium. The extract of HL (400 mg/kg/day) was administered orally (daily) starting from 1 week before and continuing until 3 weeks after myocardial infarction (MI). Surviving rats were sacrificed at different time points to obtain left ventricles for biochemical assays. Our study demonstrates for the first time that HL does have antioxidant effects both in vitro and in vivo. The antioxidant effects of HL are exerted only under the condition of oxidative stress, by selectively preserving the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as depressing the formation of malondialdehyde, especially in the acute phase of acute MI. Its effects of scavenging free radicals and inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species may play a key role in protecting the endogenous antioxidant system from oxidative stress in vivo.
