Abstract:
Dose-dependent cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin may lead to irreversible congestive heart failure. Although multiple mechanisms
are involved, generation of free radicals is the most commonly postulated mechanism. +erefore, free radical scavengers are
considered as potential therapeutic agents. As Murraya koenigii leaves are a rich source of flavonoids and phenols, they have the
ability to scavenge free radicals effectively. +erefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective potential of
Murraya leaf extract against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Rats were randomly divided into five groups with 10
animals in each group. Doxorubicin was administered intraperitonially at 18 mg/kg while lyophilized plant extract was ad ministered orally at 2 g/kg. Dexrazoxane, at 180 mg/kg, was used as the positive control. Cardiac damage of doxorubicin control
was evident with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in cardiac troponin I, NT-pro BNP, AST, and LDH compared to the normal
control. Plant-treated group showed cardioprotective effect by significantly reducing (p < 0.05) all of the above parameters
compared to doxorubicin control (p < 0.05). Increased oxidative stress in doxorubicin control was evident with a significant
reduction in reduced glutathione, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase,
and catalase activity and a significant increase in lipid peroxidation compared to the control. Interestingly, treatment with
Murraya leaf extract showed a significant increase in all of the above antioxidant parameters and a significant reduction in lipid
peroxidation by showing an antioxidant effect. A significant increase in myeloperoxidase activity confirmed the increased in flammatory activity in doxorubicin control group whereas plant-treated group showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) which
expressed the anti-inflammatory effect of Murraya leaf extract. Doxorubicin-treated group showed histological evidence of
extensive damage to the myocardium while plant-treated group showed a preserved myocardium with lesser degree of damage.
Pretreatment with Murraya leaf extract may replenish cardiomyocytes with antioxidants and promote the defense against
doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
