Ultrafast ROS Scavenging Activity of Amur Maple Tree Extracts Confers Robust Cardioprotection for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

<i>Ginnalin A</i> (GA), a polyphenolic compound derived from amur maple trees, has been identified as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recognizing the pivotal role of ROS in exacerbating secondary damage during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), we fractionated GA-enriched extracts from the leaves of the amur maple tree, <i>Acer tataricum</i> L. subsp. <i>ginnala</i> (<i>Maxim.</i>) <i>Wesm.</i>, using common solvents of dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA). When co-administered for 30 min, the DCM- and EA-fractioned extracts effectively protected cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂-induced damage. ROS-sensitive probes indicated that treatment with <i>ginnala</i> extracts significantly reduced both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels. Instead of enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes, the <i>ginnala</i> extracts acted as natural antioxidases, directly scavenging various ROS such as superoxide, H₂O₂, hydroxyl radical, and Fe²⁺ within just 20 min. In a MIRI rat model, the in vivo administration of <i>ginnala</i> extracts provided significant cardioprotection by preserving viable myocardia and enhancing cardiac functions. Additionally, treatment with <i>ginnala</i> extracts significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and denatured collagen. Our study suggests that the ultrafast ROS scavenging capability of <i>ginnala</i> extracts offers substantial heart protection during MIRI. Incorporating <i>ginnala</i> extracts as a pharmacological intervention during reperfusion could effectively mitigate ROS-induced cardiac injury.