Phytomedicine Plus (May 2022)
Active elements from Launea taraxacifolia upgrades cardiovascular integrity by attenuation of ectonucleotidase and carbohydrate-hydrolysing enzymes in rat exposed to metropolitan polluted-river water
Abstract
Background: Cardiac failure is on the increase due to inadvertent exposure to both aquatic and terrestrial toxicants. It is one of the most common incapacitating, painful, and deadly ailment. Synthetic drug intervention of the disease has some negative impacts on the patients, which means that it is not completely safe to intervene with the artificial drugs, there is need for alternative safe therapeutic agents. However, phenolic compounds of Launea taraxacifolia may serve as a complementary medication against cardiac failure. The study therefore examines the protection of Launea taraxacifolia methanolic extract (LTME) on cardiovascular toxicity induced by metropolitan surulere polluted river water (SPRW). Method: Forty-eight (48) animals were divided into six groups (n = 8): Group I was orally given 1 ml of distilled water only; Group II received 1 ml of SPRW only; Group III (Pre-treated) received 200 mg/kg LTME before + 1 ml of SPRW after; Group IV (Co-treated) received 200 mg/kg LTME + 1 ml of SPRW; Group V (post-treated) received 1 ml of SPRW before + 200 mg/kg LTME after. Group VI received 200 mg/kg LTME only. The experiment lasted for 28 days. Results: The generation of OH. radical and elevated activity of eco-51-nucleotidase, α-glucosidase, α-amylase, and aldose-reductase by SPRW intoxication was abrogated by LTME with corresponding LDH increase. Additionally, SPRW caused systemic alteration of CAT and SOD activity with decreased GSH level. The cardiomyocytes showed necrosis with the accumulation of inflammatory cells; indicating myocarditis compared to normal and treated groups. These abysmal were reversed by LTME treatment. The upregulation of α-glucosidase, α-amylase, aldose-reductase and eco-51 nucleotidase activities with low intracellular ATP in the heart may explain the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular dysfunctions in rat exposed to SPRW toxicant. Conclusion: The treatment with active constituents from LTME may be the chemotherapy agent against cardiac necrosis.
