Cardiac Tolerance Study of Morinda morindoides (Baker) Milne-Redhead (Rubiaceae) Extract in Rabbit

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted  to  assess  the  effect  of  the ethyl acetate fraction (AcEF1) obtained from the 96% extract of Morinda morindoides extract on cardiac tissue integrity and function in rabbits. Methodology: The rabbits were divided in five groups of 6 rabbits each. Groups 2,3,4 and 5  received intraperitoneally, twice a week during four weeks, the ethyl acetate fraction at doses going from 25 to 100 μg/kg body weight while Group 1, received 1 mL of Mac Ewen fluid. Blood sampling was carried out to evaluate aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Lactate dehydrogenase  (LDH) activities and level of calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and chloride in serum. The eighth week of the experiments, histopathological studies were also conducted on rabbits heart. Results: Analysis of the serum markers showed slight increases in AST, ALT, CPK activities as well as sodium, calcium and potassium concentrations (p<0.05).  LDH activity, magnesium and chloride concentrations were unchanged compared to their initial values. Histopathological studies had not revealed damages in the structure of the heart. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction did not exert any noxious effect on cardiac tissues and should be no toxic for cardiac tissues.