Impact of Garlic on Cardioprotective Potential of Ramipril on Ischemia-Reperfusion Induced Myocardial Dysfunction in Rats

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the most popular herbs used worldwide to reduce various risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE) such as Ramipril (RAM) has been proved to work under conditions of myocardial damage, however, there is no report on elucidating the impact of garlic on its cardioprotective potential. In the current study, role of garlic homogenate (GH, 250mg/kg) along with RAM (1mg/kg) was investigated in ischemia-reperfusion induced myocardial damage in rats. Sprague dawley rats (200-250g) were divided into 4 group (n=6). Rats were given treatment for 10 days with ramipril and 30 days with Garlic in their respective groups. At the end of treatment, heart was isolated under anesthesia and mounted at modified Langendorff 's apparatus and myocardial damage was induced by no-flow global ischemia and reperfusion. Percentage recovery in terms of developed tension and heart rate during post-ischemia, LDH and CK-MB activities in perfusate and heart tissue homogenate (HTH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase HTH and histopathological scores were evaluated. Administration of GH and RAM resulted in elevation of LDH and CK-MB activities in HTH with a simultaneous fall in perfusate. Prophylactic administration of RAM and GH demonstrated good recovery in developed tension and heart rate compared to ischemic control. Moreover, SOD and Catalase activities were also increased in treated groups. Corroborating with the biochemical results, histological scores were diminished in all treated groups. To conclude, concurrent administration of RAM with GH showed better cardioprotective potential than their individual treatment.Keywords: Garlic homogenate; Interaction; Ischemia reperfusion; Ramipril