Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. and Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal Extracts Decrease Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity on...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Cardiology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Doxorubicin (Dox) is a chemotherapy drug known for its cardiotoxicity.
• Protecting cardiac cells from Dox-induced damage is crucial for cancer patient outcomes.
• Natural compounds are being investigated for their potential cardioprotective properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the protective effects of bark extracts from *A. lepidophyllus* and *M. myristica* against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.
• To assess the antioxidant potential of these plant extracts.

Main Methods:

• H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were pretreated with plant extracts before Dox exposure.
• Cell viability, mass, mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase activities were measured.
• Selenium and vitamin C content in the extracts were quantified.

Main Results:

• Dox treatment reduced cell viability and mitochondrial function while increasing oxidative stress and caspase activity.
• Plant extract pretreatment significantly mitigated Dox-induced cytotoxicity.
• Higher extract concentrations yielded more pronounced protective effects.

Conclusions:

• Bark extracts of *A. lepidophyllus* and *M. myristica* demonstrate significant efficacy against Dox-induced cardiotoxicity.
• The cardioprotective effects are likely attributed to the high antioxidant content, including selenium and vitamin C, found in these extracts.