Evaluation of the cardioprotective potential of aqueous extract of Datura metel (Solanaceae) leaves on doxorubicin-induced acute myocardial infarction in Wistar rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of the aqueous extract of Datura metel leaves (AELDM) on myocardial damage caused by doxorubicin in Wistar rats. This study required 30 Wistar rats, which were randomized and divided into 6 groups of 5 animals each. Rats from control groups (normal and negative) received orally 1 mL/200 g of distilled water daily for 6 days, those in the positive control group received 100 mg/kg of vitamin E, and those in the test groups received the plant extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg respectively. On the 7th day of treatment, animals from all groups except the normal control group received a single intraperitoneal injection of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg), followed by respective treatments until the 10th day of the experimental period. Variations in serum transaminase activities (AST/ALT), biochemical markers of oxidative stress (MDA, SOD, CAT, GSH), and lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL) were evaluated. Heart tissue histological sections were performed, and the acute toxicity of the extract was assessed. 
The findings revealed that aqueous extract of Datura metel leaves contains bioactive compounds that confer pharmacological properties to the plant. Indeed, AELDM treatment resulted in a significant decrease  (P < 0.001) of MDA levels, triglycerides, LDL-cholesterol, AST/ALT activity, and a significant increase (P < 0.001) of HDL-cholesterol concentration and SOD, CAT, and GSH activity, compared to the negative control group. Furthermore, histological section observations revealed that the extract protected the heart against doxorubicin-induced damage and appears safe for health as the LD50 of the extract is greater than 2000 mg/kg. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Datura metel leaves at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight throughout the experimental period is well tolerated by the heart and would have a cardioprotective effect in rats.