Protective effects of polyphenolic-enriched Pleurospermum candollei extract against doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular disease in rats: modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

OBJECTIVES: Pleurospermum candollei is used to treat abdominal problems, heart diseases, gastric issues, and cerebral disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of P. candollei aqueous extract (PCA) against Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiac failure in rats. METHODS: The composition of the extract was determined by quantifying polyphenols using HPLC-DAD, and antioxidant capacity was evaluated through the FRAP assay. Fifty-four rats were divided into nine groups, and cardiac injury was induced by DOX (10 mg/kg body weight). PCA extract (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally to treat cardiotoxicity. Serum markers, antioxidants, inflammatory, fibrotic, and apoptotic genes, and histological alterations were assessed. KEY FINDINGS: Examination confirmed the presence of various polyphenols in the plant extract. PCA extract administration to rats reduced the DOX-instigated elevation in CK, LDH, and triglycerides concentrations in serum and restored the histopathological changes. Similarly, PCA extract administration normalized the levels of antioxidants and pro-inflammatory markers and reduced the expression of apoptotic and fibrosis markers. CONCLUSION: PCA extract exhibited significant antioxidants and cardioprotective activities in rats. The cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of PCA may be attributed to its high content of polyphenolics, and it acts as a promising therapeutic source against heart failure.