ASSESSMENT OF VITEX AGNUS-COSTES PLANT EXTRACT ON THE HEART OF MICE EXPOSED TO OXIDATIVE STRESS

Myocardial injury is largely the result of oxidative stress, which alters the structure and function of the heart's cardiomyaceous and conduction cells. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the relative effects of Vitex agnus-castus, a plant that is known to contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, upon the histology of the hearts of mice exposed to oxidative stress. Histological examinations were performed on the cardiac tissues of experimental groups of mice that were subjected to oxidative stress, either with or without treatment with V. agnus-castus extract. Whereas oxidative stress alone caused cardiomyocyte swelling, interstitial expansion, loss of striation, Purkinje fiber degeneration, and early necrotic alterations, control groups showed normal architecture with maintained muscle striations and centrally placed nuclei. By preserving nuclear morphology, reducing cytoplasmic degeneration, and maintaining intercalated discs and striations, treatment with V. agnus-castus, on the other hand, lessened these changes, indicating reduction of both cellular and conduction system damage. These results are in line with recent observations that phytochemicals from V. agnus-castus stabilize cellular membranes and scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) to produce cardioprotective effects. In conclusion, V. agnus-castus supplementation considerably reduced the cardiac damage caused by oxidative stress in rats, indicating that it may be a natural cardioprotective agent and indicating the need for additional mechanistic and translational research.