Decalepis hamiltonii and its bioactive compounds protects isoproterenol-induced myocardial oxidative stress in rats

Background: Decalepis hamiltonii (Dh), a climbing shrub belonging to the family Apocynaceae, is consumed for its health-promoting properties. Objective: The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective potential of Dh extract and its bioactive compounds on region-specific responses against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in male Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were orally supplemented with ellagic acid (50 mg/kg body weight [BW]), 4-hydroxy isophthalic acid (30 mg/kg BW), and Dh extract (100 mg/kg BW) for 30 days, and they were subsequently administered (intraperitoneally) with ISO (150 mg/kg BW) for the last 2 days. Results: ISO-treated rats showed a significant increase in serum lipid profile, markers of cardiac damage, and decreased antioxidant status. Supplemented groups showed improved lipid profile, reduced serum marker enzymes, and enhanced antioxidant status in ISO-administered rats. Histopathological studies further confirmed the protective effect of Dh extract against ISO-induced myocardial infarction (MI). Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that Dh extract and its compounds efficiently ameliorated ISO-induced MI in rats.