Abstract
BACKGROUND: The ethnopharmacological relevance of Dysphania ambrosioides (commonly known as M'khinza) is evident in its longstanding traditional use across various cultures, where it is valued for its medicinal properties in addressing a range of health conditions, emphasizing the potential for further pharmacological exploration. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to investigate the cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injuries following the administration of aqueous extract (Aq.E) of D. ambrosioides leaves in isolated rat hearts according to Langendorff. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The hearts of male Wistar rats were isolated, allowed to acclimate for 30 min, and then experienced global ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 120 min. Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB) was infused into the control group. However, a solution with 10, 20, and 40 µg/mL of extract was infused into the treatment groups (KHB). The Aq.E anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, and antioxidant properties were also assessed, and its mineral composition was examined. RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that the D. ambrosioides leaf Aq.E has considerable cardioprotective activity, evidenced by its beneficial hemodynamic, biochemical, and histological effects in mitigating myocardial lesions induced by the IR sequence. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this study indicate that the D. ambrosioides leaf Aq.E provides cardioprotective benefits in the context of IR injury. This protective effect is attributed to the extract's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticoagulant properties, as evidenced by significant hemodynamic, biochemical, and histological improvements. These findings highlight the potential of D. ambrosioides as a medicinal substance for preserving cardiac function and integrity during ischemic events.