Exploring the Cardioprotective Potential of Borago officinalis in Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Infarction: A Preclinical Study on Rats

Introduction: The present study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effect of Borago officinalis and its synergistic effect against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Materials and Methods: Myocardial infarction was experimentally induced in SD rats (Rattus norvegicus) using subcutaneous administration of isoproterenol (ISO) 85 mg/kg/s.c on days 20 and 21. Experimental animals were divided into five groups (5 animals each): normal control (NC), negative control (ISO), test drug Borago officinalis leaf extract (BOL) group, standard drug metoprolol (SDG) group, and combination of test drug Borago officinalis and standard drug metoprolol (BOM) group. Physical (heart grading and heart/body weight ratio), biochemical (CK-MB, LDH, AST, and ALT), troponin, oxidative stress (TBARS), and antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx) were assessed. Additionally, histopathological analysis of heart tissues was performed. Results: ISO significantly impaired cardiac function, as indicated by elevated biochemical markers (CK-MB, LDH, AST, and ALT) and oxidative stress markers (TBARS), and by heart tissue damage, with lowered antioxidant parameters (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GPx). Rats pre-treated with BOL, SDG, or their combination, BOM, effectively reduced these effects. Among them, the BOM group showed a significant cardioprotective effect, suggesting a synergistic action that outperformed metoprolol alone. Discussion: Rats that were pre-treated with Borago officinalis extract showed significant improvement in biochemical, antioxidant, and histopathological markers compared to the rats in the ISO group. However, the combination of Borago officinalis and metoprolol provided the most pronounced protection, suggesting a synergistic effect. Conclusion: The findings of the present study highlight the potential of Borago officinalis as a complementary cardioprotective agent.