CARDIOPROTECTIVE POTENTIAL OF CONVOLVULUS ARVENSIS AGAINST ISOPROTERENOL-INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY

BACKGROUND: Myocardial infarction is largely driven by oxidative stress-mediated cellular and mitochondrial dysfunction. Isoproterenol-based experimental models closely mimic these pathological mechanisms, while plant-derived antioxidants have gained recognition as potential cardioprotective agents against oxidative injury. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective effects of methanolic extract from Convolvulus arvensis against Isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, focusing on myocyte injury markers and histopathological changes. METHODOLOGY: The experimental study was carried out in the Department of Pharmacology at Khyber Medical College and Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, Pakistan, between August 2022 and April 2023. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated into three main groups: a positive control, a negative control, and treatment groups receiving Convolvulus arvensis extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, and 300 mg/kg orally for 14 days. Myocardial infarction was induced in rats by administering Isoproterenol (100mg/kg SC) on the 13th and 14th days. Biochemical and histopathological assessments were conducted on the 15th day. RESULTS: Administration of Isoproterenol led to changes in serum levels of cardiac injury markers (CK-MB and LDH) and histopathological alterations. Pre-treatment with Convolvulus arvensis extract prevented all parameters of Isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats, as confirmed by histopathological examination. The study findings suggest that Convolvulus arvensis exerts significant protective effects on the heart against Isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by maintaining endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities. CONCLUSION: Convolvulus arvensis extract significantly lowered serum CK-MB levels and mitigated histopathological damage in isoproterenol-treated rats, refelecting its potential as a cardioprotective agent. KEYWORDS: Cardiotoxicity, Cardioprotection, Convolvulus arvensis, Isoproterenol, Myocardial infarction, Oxidative stress