Cardioprotective Effects of Echium amoenum in an Isoproterenol-Induced Rat Model of Heart Failure

Echium amoenum possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics and is traditionally recommended in Persian medicine for managing cardiac conditions. In order to investigate its potential cardioprotective benefits, 50 male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: a control group receiving normal saline, an isoproterenol group serving as negative control, and three treatment groups given aqueous extract of E. amoenum at daily doses of 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg. Except for the control group, all animals received subcutaneous injections of isoproterenol (150 mg/kg) on two successive days to trigger heart failure. Starting from day three through day nine, the treatment groups were orally administered the extract via gavage. Following this, the rats were given a one-week recovery period. On day 17, echocardiography was performed prior to anesthesia; blood was then drawn to assess levels of CK (creatine kinase), LDH (lactate dehydrogenase), troponin, MDA (malondialdehyde), NO (nitric oxide), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Heart tissues were also harvested for histopathological examination. Doses of 150, 300, and 450 mg/kg of E. amoenum extract led to a notable rise in ejection fraction; a significant improvement in fractional shortening was observed solely with the 300 mg/kg dose. The highest dose (450 mg/kg) lowered CK-MB and troponin concentrations. Every dose reduced LDH values. Compared to both control and isoproterenol groups, the 450 mg/kg dose enhanced SOD and GPX activities. Moreover, doses of 300 and 450 mg/kg markedly lowered NO and MDA concentrations in comparison to the isoproterenol group. Administration of E. amoenum at 300 mg/kg diminished the extent of tissue fibrosis. Echium amoenum demonstrates substantial cardioprotective activity against heart failure induced by isoproterenol.