Evaluation of the cardio-protective effect of saponin-rich fraction of Dioscorea bulbifera in mitigating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats: A microanatomical study

Background Dioscorea bulbifera bulbis contains Dioscin and diosgenin, which have been used as starting materials for various artificial steroid hormones. It also contains several saponins, flavonoids, and isoflavonoids that possess oestrogenic, heart-protective, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the effect of the saponin-rich fraction (SRF) from Dioscorea bulbifera bulbis on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in adult Wistar rats. Methods The rats were divided into 8 groups, with each group containing 6 rats selected at random. Group A rats were given distilled water for two weeks, while group B rats received doxorubicin (10 mg/kg/b.w, i.p. daily) for the same duration. Groups C and D were given 50 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1 of SRF for the same 14-day period. Group E and Group F rats were given a combination of 10 mg/kg of doxorubicin and SRF at doses of 50 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1, respectively, for 14 days. Groups G and H of rats were administered 50 mg kg-1 and 100 mg kg-1 doses for 14 days before receiving doxorubicin on day 15. The rats were sacrificed, and the heart tissue was harvested and stored in sample bottles containing 10% neutral buffer for histological and immunohistochemical studies. Results The results showed that the percentage weight change of rats in group B (-20.33 ± 0.58 g) was significantly lower (F = 212.1; p < 0.0001) than the control group (18.13 ± 0.95 g) and groups C and D (14.57 ± 0.37 g and 15.21 ± 0.22 g, respectively). The photomicrograph of the control rats showed a normal, regular arrangement with clear striations of myocardial fibers. There was a distortion of the cross-banding pattern of myocardium in group B. Conclusion The study concluded that Dioscorea Bulbifera could reverse doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Therefore, it could be employed in the management of cardiovascular-related diseases.