Protective effect of Croton zambesicus leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced cardiac toxicity in rats

Abstract

The leaves of Croton zambesicus Muell Arg. (Euphorbiaceae) is used as spice for food and in traditional medicine for management of several disease conditions including hypertension and diabetes. The study was carried out to determine the cardio-protective effects of Croton zambesicus (CZ) leaf extract and n-butanol fraction on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) - induced toxicity. Male albino rats were treated for 5 days with CZ extract, n-butanol fraction and ascorbic acid. On day 6, CCl₄ was administered subcutaneously for 3 days to rats in Groups II-VII and treated concurrently for 3 days with aqueous leaf extract of CZ, n-butanol fraction and ascorbic acid. Serum levels of cardiac function markers; creatine-kinase MB fraction (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were evaluated. Antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were also determined. Aqueous leaf extract and n-butanol fraction significantly (p < 0.05) decreased serum concentration of CK-MB and LDH. In addition, there was a significant (p < 0.001) increase in activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx) with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in concentration of MDA. Results from this study revealed the aqueous leaf extract of Croton zambesicus attenuated the toxic effects of CCl₄ on the heart and thus found to have protective potential.