Protective potentials of Bryophyllum pinnatum against high salt-induced heart impairment in Wistar rats.

This study was designed to access the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum and bisoprolol on cardiac biomarkers and serum electrolytes concentrations in high salt fed Wistar rats. Thirty albino Wistar rats of both sex weighing between 150-190g were used and there were divided into 6 groups containing 5 rat per group. Group 1 (control group) received normal rat feed and drinking water. Group 2 (Crassulaceae only), was administered with 600 mg/kg ethanolic leaf extract of Bryophyllum pinnatum orally and once daily. Group 3 (high salt untreated), was given 1% NaCl drinking water and 8% NaCl feed. Group 4 (Bisoprolol) was treated with 0.07 mg/kg of bisoprolol which was administered orally and once daily. Group 5 (high salt + Bryophyllum pinnatum), received high salt diet + Bryophyllum pinnatum extract. Group 6 (high salt + Bisoprolol) was given high salt diet + bisoprolol. The animals were then sacrificed after 28 days of the regimens using ketamine (60mg/kg body weight) anaesthesia. The blood was collected with 5 mL sterilized needle and syringe via cardiac puncture and was emptied into a plain capped sample bottle and then centrifuged and sera were collected for laboratory analysis. The result showed that the control group had myoglobin, angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) and troponin concentrations of 500.00 ±4.20 µg/mL, 4.00 ±0.29 IU/L and 375.00 ±1.80 µg/mL respectively. These cardiac biomarkers were significantly (p<0.05) increased in the high salt untreated group compared with control. Treatment of the high salt fed rats with either the extract of B. pinnatum significantly (p<0.05) reduced the had myoglobin, angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) and troponin concentrations compared with the high salt untreated group. Serum sodium and chloride ions concentrations in the high salt untreated group were also significantly (p<0.05) raised compared with the control. Treatment with the extract of B. pinnatum significantly (p<0.05) reduced the serum sodium and chloride ions concentrations compared with the high salt untreated group. Serum potassium and bicarbonate ions concentrations in the high salt untreated group were significantly (p<0.05) reduced compared with the control. Treatment with the extract of B. pinnatum significantly (p<0.05) reversed it to near control levels. In conclusion, the administration of ethanolic extract of B. pinnatum and bisoprolol effectively ameliorates the cardiotoxic effects of high salt loading, B. pinnatum caused reduction in serum levels cardiac biomarkers (Troponin, Myoglobin, ACE) and reversed the alterations in serum electrolytes concentrations following high salt intake. The antioxidant properties of B. pinnatum coupled with the established cardioprotective effects of bisoprolol, provide a promising therapeutic approach in managing high salt-induced cardiotoxicity.