CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF PHYLLANTHUS FRATERNUS LEAVES EXTRACT AGAINST CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE - INDUCED MYOCARDIAL INJURY IN RATS

Objectives: This study was undertaken to investigate the possible protective effect of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus fraternus (AEPF) leaves against cyclophosphamide (CP) induced myocardial toxicity in rats. Methods: Wistar rats were given CP single intraperitoneally injection (200 mg/kg) on day 1 of the experiment and two doses of AEPF (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) p.o. daily for 10 days. Cardiac biomarker enzymes such as creatinine kinase (CK), CK isoenzyme MB, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase were determined. Histopathological examinations of the hearts were done. Results: CP treated groups exhibited significantly increased in cardiac biomarker enzymes. Treatment with AEPF prevented the elevation of these enzymes. Potential protective effect was also seen in histopathological examination of the heart characterized by decreased myocardium cell damages in AEPF treatment group. Conclusion: The study showed the protective role of AEPF against CP-induced myocardial injury. The possible role of antioxidant activity is anticipated.