Crocus sativus L. (saffron) attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury via preserving cardiac functions and strengthening antioxidant defense system.

Saffron (dried stigmas of Crocus sativus L.), a naturally derived plant product, has long been used as a traditional ancient medicine against various human diseases. The aim of the series of experiments was to systematically determine whether saffron exerts cardioprotection in isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage. Male Wistar rats (150-175 g) were divided into five groups: control, isoproterenol (ISO) and three saffron (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) treatment groups. Aqueous extract of saffron or vehicle was administered orally to rats for four weeks. On days 28 and 29, the animals in ISO and saffron treatment groups were administered ISO (85 mg/kg, s.c.) at an interval of 24 h. On day 30, after recording hemodynamics and left ventricular functions, animals were sacrificed for biochemical, histopathological and electromicroscopical examinations. Isoproterenol challenged animals showed depressed hemodynamics and left ventricular functions as evident by decreased left ventricular rate of peak positive and negative pressure change and elevated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure. Structural and ultrastructural studies further confirmed the damage which was reconfirmed by increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p<0.001) and decreased creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase (p<0.001). In addition, significant reduction in superoxide dismutase and catalase (p<0.001) was observed in ISO group. Our results suggested that saffron at all the doses exerted significant cardioprotective effect by preserving hemodynamics and left ventricular functions, maintaining structural integrity and augmenting antioxidant status. Among the different doses used, saffron at 400mg/kg dose exhibited maximum protective effects which could be due to maintenance of the redox status of the cell reinforcing its role as an antioxidant.