Cardiotoxicity of hydroalcoholic extract of Lepidium draba in isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats

Considering that the general belief is that medicinal plants have less side effects, they are usually consumed without a prescription, so it is necessary to study the safety of these plants on different body systems including the cardiovascular system. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of L. draba, one of the popular traditional medical plants, in isoproterenol-induced heart failure in rats. For induction of heart failure in rats a subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (5 mg/kg/day for 10 days) was used. Hydroalcoholic extract of L. draba was injected intraperitoneally (ip) at doses of 50, 250 and 500 mg/kg for 10 days. Then, hemodynamic, electrocardiogram, and histopathological changes as well as lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were investigated. Our results showed that administration of L. draba extract increased myocyte necrosis and destruction as well as myocardial glycogen accumulation in comparison to HF (Iso) group. Treatment with L. draba extract significantly increased malondialdehyde and LDH levels in comparison to HF group (P<0.01 and P<0.05 respectively). Additionally, treatment with L. draba extract for ten days had no significant effect on hemodynamic parameters and electrocardiogram pattern. In conclusion, our results for the first time showed the cardiotoxic effects of L. draba in heart failure through the destruction of heart tissue, increase in glycogen accumulation, malondialdehyde and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Therefore, it is suggested that the patients suffering from heart failure should avoid long-term consumption of this plant.