Cardiovascular Biomarker Alterations in Wistar Rats Following Sub-Chronic Administration of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Chromolaena odorata

Aim: The effect of chronic administration of ethanolic extract of Chromolaena odorata (C. odorata) on biomarkers of the cardiovascular system in Wistar rats was investigated in this study.

Methods: Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups of five animals each. Group 1 (control group) received only normal rat feed and distilled water, whereas groups 2, 3, and 4 received 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg body weight (b. w) of the extract, respectively. The treatment lasted 14 days.

Results: The results showed a dose-dependent increase in the serum activity of Creatinine-kinase-MB (CK-MB) and Cardiac Troponin T (cTn-T) in the treated groups, but these increases were not statistically significant (p>0.05) compared to the control group. There were no significant (p>0.05) dose-related changes in the serum activities of Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α) in all treatment groups. However, serum Interleukin-1Beta (IL-1β) levels were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the higher dose groups. Histopathological examination of the heart did not reveal any significant morphological alterations in all treatment groups.

Conclusion: According to the findings of this study, the administration of ethanolic leaf extract of C. odorata extract may be safe for the cardiovascular system at the dosages tested, but its continuous usage at high concentrations may adversely affect cardiac functions and consequently predispose to cardiovascular disease.