Cardioprotective Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ripped Musa paradisiaca Peel in Isoproterenol Induced Myocardial Infarction Rat Model

Background: Myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of cardiovascular deaths worldwide. Musa paradisiaca has been reported to contain secondary metabolites with antioxidant properties. This study investigated the possible cardioprotective effects of aqueous ripped Muse paradisiaca peel extract (MPPE) in an isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI rat model relative to aspirin as a standard drug. Methods: The MPP was extracted in distilled water using cold extraction; thereafter, MPPE was screened for secondary metabolites using standard biochemical methods. Investigation on the acute toxicity of MPPE was done in compliance with ARRIVE guidelines. Cardioprotective effects of the extract were established using biochemical assays (ELISA technique), an electrocardiogram, and a histological examination. We analyzed the data using a graphical prism version 5.03. Results: The screening of MPPE revealed the presence of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and phenols. The LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg. Rats administered ISO developed MI evidenced by increased cardiac troponin-I (cTn-I), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha), malondialdehyde, and ST segment elevation on the ECG. Further, there was a reduction in antioxidant enzymes and membrane-bound Na+/K+ ATPase activities. Pre-treatment with MPP promoted restoration of cardiomyocytes with no side effect compared to aspirin. Significantly, it increased CAT, SOD, and Na+/K+ ATPase activities and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines, MDA, and cTn-1, thereby reducing the elevation of ST-segment on the ECG to near normal. Results from the histopathological study support the cardioprotective effects of MPP. Conclusion: The MPP confers protection to the myocardium through its antioxidant and anti-peroxidation properties that act as possible mechanisms in ISO-induced MI in rat models.