Cardioprotective effect Ficus religiosa on isoprenaline induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

In Indian traditional medicine, Ficus religiosa (F. religiosa) possesses numerous therapeutic properties, including its use in treating heart problems. This study was designed to elucidate its effects on the heart, with the objective of assessing the cardioprotective effect of F. religiosa (FR) in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats. Thirty male wistar rats (200-250 g) were equally divided into five groups, group I (control), group II (ISO 150 mg/kg BW on 27th and 28th day at 24 h interval), group III (FR 200 mg/kg BW), group IV (FR 100 mg/kg BW + ISO 150 mg/kg BW on 27th and 28th day at 24 h interval) and group V (FR 200 mg/kg BW + ISO 150 mg/kg BW on 27th and 28th day at 24 h interval). At the end of experiment ECG, HW/BW ratio, percent infarcted area, haematobiochemical estimations and microscopic examination of heart tissue were assessed. In positive control rats administration of ISO altered ECG indices viz. increase in heart rate, prolonged QT interval and ST segment whereas QRS complex was decreased. ISO caused significant rise in percent infarcted area of heart, HW/BW ratio and alterations in Hb, TEC, TLC, PCV, ALT, AST, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), HDL, LDL, LDH, CK-MB and histopathological architecture of heart tissues in positive control rats. FR treated animals showed significant (p<0.05) minimal alterations in ECG, hematobiochemical parameters and histology of heart tissue. In conclusion the hydroethanolic extract of leaves of F. religiosa showed cardioprotective effect in ISO induced myocardial infarction. Thus, present findings may qualify F. religiosa as a potential cardioprotective agent.