Clematis chinensis Osbeck extract (500 mg/kg) significantly improved cardiac function, normalized ECG, and reduced cardiotoxicity markers in rats with arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity.
RCT (n=30)
randomized
Does Clematis chinensis Osbeck ethanolic extract prevent Arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats?
Clematis chinensis Osbeck extract demonstrates cardioprotective effects against arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity in a rat model, with efficacy comparable to carvedilol.
Background Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is an effective chemotherapeutic for acute promyelocytic leukemia, but its clinical use is restricted due to cardiotoxic effects such as QT prolongation, arrhythmias, and myocardial injury. Natural agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may offer cardioprotection. Aim To evaluate the effects of Clematis chinensis Osbeck ethanolic extract (CCE) against ATO-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Materials and Methods Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into five groups: Control, ATO (5 mg/kg), Carvedilol (10 mg/kg) + ATO and CCE (250 and 500 mg/kg) + ATO. All treatments were administered for 7 days. Feed intake, water intake, body weight, hemodynamic parameters, electrocardiography (ECG), serum cardiotoxic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and histopathology of heart tissue were assessed. Results ATO administrations caused significant weight loss, reduce food intake, water intake, and increased blood pressure and mean arterial pressure, and decreased heart rate. ECG abnormalities (prolonged QT, PR, QRS intervals, and ST elevation) were also evident. Serum cardiotoxicity markers (LDH, CK-MB) are elevated, and TBARS level increase, while antioxidant enzyme GSH levels decrease. Histology showed cytoplasmic vacuolization, edema, and myocardial fiber disruption. Treatment with CCE, at a higher dose (500 mg/kg), significantly improved cardiac function by restoring hemodynamics, normalizing ECG, reducing LDH and CK-MB, lowering TBARS, elevating GSH, and attenuating histopathological damage. Conclusion CCE cardioprotective effects against ATO-induced toxicity, primarily via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Its efficacy is comparable to carvedilol, highlighting its potential as a supportive therapeutic strategy.
Nie et al. (2026) conducted an RCT in Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction (n=30). Clematis chinensis Osbeck ethanolic extract (CCE) vs. Control, ATO alone, and Carvedilol + ATO was evaluated on cardiac function, hemodynamics, ECG, serum cardiotoxic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and histopathology. Clematis chinensis Osbeck extract (500 mg/kg) significantly improved cardiac function, normalized ECG, and reduced cardiotoxicity markers in rats with arsenic trioxide-induced cardiotoxicity.