Cardioprotective Effect of Banaba on Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Rats

Abstract

The ethanol extract of Banaba (Lagerstroemia speciosa L.) leaves, was investigated for their effects on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by occlusion of the left descending coronary artery (LCA) for 1 h, followed by re-opening again for 1 h. Banaba ethanol extract (100 mg/kg) intraperitonially (i.p.) was administered 30 min after induction of ischemia. During I/R period, the hemodynamics and ECG parameters were measured. Oxidative stress markers like reduced glutathione (GSH), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of myeloperoxidase (MPO), creatine kinase (CK) and myocardial infarct area were significantly (P<0.05) reduced in Wistar rats after Banaba treatment. The apoptotic activity and histological observations were influenced by Banaba. The cardioprotective effect of Banaba could be attributed to its ability to improve the antioxidant mechanism, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity in ischemic animals.