| ABSTRACT: Arum species have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer effects. However, there is no study on its
possible cardioprotective effects. In the present study, the protective effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of Arum orientale
(A. orientale) on isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction (MI) were evaluated. For induction of MI the rats were
received isoproterenol (100 mg/kg) for two consecutive days, whereas treated groups received 40, 80 and 160
mg/kg/day of hydroalcoholic extract of A.orientale intraperitoneally (ip) 20 min before each Isoproterenol injection.
Isoproterenol-induced MI significantly increased myocardial necrosis and neutrophil infiltration. Histopathological
analysis showed that A. orientale at dose of 160 mg/kg significantly reduced necrosis and neutrophil infiltration in the
heart tissue (P< 0.046 and P<0.048, respectively). Induction of MI also increased myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and
peripheral neutrophil percent. While A. orientale similarly decreased MPO activity and peripheral neutrophils in blood
(P<0.021 p<0.042 respectively) at dose of 160 mg/kg. Administration of the extract markedly decreased serum
malondialdehyde level at dose of 80 mg/kg and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity with all doses. Our results for
the first time reported potential cardioprotective effects of A. orientale that partially can be through suppression of
inflammatory responses and reduction of lipid peroxidation following MI. However, any suggestions for potential use
in MI needs further studies |