Ramipril-like activity of Spondias mombin linn against no-flow ischemia and isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rat heart.

The cardioprotective property of Spondias mombin (SM) was investigated and compared with that of the ACE inhibitor, ramipril. Alterations to markers of myocardial injury and indices of antioxidant capacity by isoproterenol (ISP) intoxication were significantly corrected in groups treated with SM. The inflammatory index was increased by 24% in ISP-intoxicated group compared with control (P < 0.001) but reduced in the groups administered ISP and treated with 100 or 250 mg/kg SM by 17% (P < 0.001) and 11% (P < 0.05) respectively. Serum lactate dehydrogenase activity and cholesterol level which were significantly increased in ISP-intoxicated group compared with control were reduced in groups administered ISP and treated with SM. Serum phosphate levels in groups administered ISP and treated with SM were significantly lower than values obtained for the ISP-intoxicated group (P < 0.001). Tissue catalase and superoxide dismutase activities as well as glutathione level were significantly increased in groups administered ISP and treated with SM compared to ISP-intoxicated group while MDA and nitrite levels were decreased. Disruption in the structure of cardiac myofibrils by ISP intoxication was reduced by treatment with SM. Comparable results were obtained for ramipril. These results are indicative of the potent cardioprotective property of SM.