[Cardiodepressant effects of ethanol extract of pomegranate [Punica granatum] skin on rat isolated heart]

ABSTRACT

Pomegranate skin is used in traditional medicine and it posseses potent antioxidant properties. This research studied the effects of ethanol [80%] extract of pomegranate skin on isolated heart activity. Isolated rat hearts [n=8] were perfused using Langendorff technique. Following stabilization for at least 20min, lyophilized extract of pomegranate skin at concentrations equal to 0.1, 0.5 and 1% [5min each, respectively] were added to the perfusion [Krebs] solution. During the experiment, the heart rate, cardiac contractile force and coronary perfusion pressure [as an indicator for coronary tone] were studied. Upon addition of pomegranate skin extract, the mean heart rate gradually declined, a reduction from 223 beats per min at the beginning to 79 beats per min at the end of treatment course [p<0.001]. Left ventricular developed pressure[LVDP] showed a significant reduction following addition of the extract [p<0.001]. Coronary perfusion pressure gradually increased and was 23% higher by the end of the treatment [p<0.001]. The current research suggests potent cardiodepressant effects for water alcoholic extract of pomegranate skin