Cardioprotective activity of Hydrocotyle asiatica L. in ischemia-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction in rats.

The alcoholic extract of Hydrocotyle asiatica Linn. (Hydrocotyle asiatica L.) whole plant was evaluated for cardioprotective activity against ischemia-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction in rats. Cardioprotective activity was studied by measuring infarct size and estimating lipid peroxide levels in serum and heart tissue. A lead II electrocardiogram was monitored at various intervals throughout the experiment. A dose (100-1000 mg kg(-1)) dependent reduction in percent left ventricle necrosis (PLVN) as well as in lipid peroxide levels was observed in rats treated with alcoholic extract of Hydrocotyle asiatica L. orally for 7 days compared to control animals. The study strongly suggests the cardioprotective activity of Hydrocotyle asiatica L. in limiting ischemia-reperfusion induced myocardial injury.