Abstract

The present study aims to evaluate the protective effect of aqueous root extracts of Picrorhiza kurroa Royle ex Benth (ARPK) against Isoproterenol (ISO)- induced myocardial infarction in rats. The animals were exposed to isoproterenol (200 mg/kg. s.c) twice at an interval of 24 hrs. Cardio-protective effect was assessed by observing ECG parameters, serum marker enzymes and histopathology of the heart. Pre- treatment of ERPK at 200 and 400mg/kg resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) increase in P wave, QRS complex and R-R interval, whereas heart rate, QT interval and cardiac cycle were maintained near to normal values. ARPK showed significant (P < 0.05; P < 0.001) reduction in all the tested diagnostic markers compared to ISO treated group. Histological studies on the structural changes of heart tissue supported the protective activity of ARPK. These results suggested that treatment of ARPK prior to ISO has a significant role in protecting the animals from ISO induced myocardial infarction.

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