Methanol Leaf Extract of Ricinus communis L. Mitigates Dichlorvos-Induced Cardiac Injury via Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms in Wistar Rats

Dichlorvos induces cardiac injury via the activation of oxido-inflammatory signaling. This study investigates the cardioprotective potential of Ricinus communis methanol leaf extract (MERC) against dichlorvos-induced cardiac injury in the Wistar rat model. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (A-D). Group A (control) received a vehicle solution (dimethyl sulfoxide and distilled water) for six weeks. Group B (DDVP only) inhalation exposure to dichlorvos occurred over a period of three weeks, during which no treatment was administered. Group C (DDVP + MERC) was exposed to dichlorvos and treated with MERC (300 mg/kg/day) orally for six weeks. Group D (MERC only) received MERC for six weeks. Cardiac biomarkers (lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin-I, creatine kinase (CK-MB)), oxidative stress marker (malondialdehyde, MDA), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT) and inflammatory markers (IL-6, MPO, TNF-α) were assessed alongside histological analysis. Dichlorvos exposure significantly increased CK-MB, LDH, troponin-I, IL-6, MPO, TNF-α, and MDA, while reducing SOD and CAT levels, indicating oxidative damage. Histology revealed myocardial degeneration, fibrosis, and inflammation. MERC treatment demonstrated dose-dependent protection, with optimal effects at 400 mg/kg. MERC reduced MDA levels, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, normalized cardiac biomarkers, and preserved heart tissue structure by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. These findings suggest MERC’s cardioprotective potential, owing to its dual capacity to reduce inflammation and combat oxidative stress. The study highlights Ricinus communis as a promising natural therapy for pesticide-induced cardiotoxicity.