The impact of raspberry shoot extract on the histological structure of rat cardiac muscle under adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial infarction

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They are
also the leading cause of disability, and their numbers are increasing worldwide. In the treatment of
cardiovascular diseases, including ischemic heart disease (IHD), contemporary medicine and pharmacy
face a critical challenge. Pharmacological interventions for IHD include synthetic and plant-based
medicines, which, due to their multimodal effects on the pathogenesis of IHD, help reduce cytolytic
processes, oxidative stress, and improve metabolic processes.
One promising agent with potential cardioprotective properties is the extract of raspberry shoots
(Rubus idaeus L.), a rich source of biologically active compounds, particularly polyphenols.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of raspberry shoot extract and quercetin on the
ultrastructure of the myocardium in rats under conditions of adrenaline-hydrocortisone-induced myocardial
infarction.
After administration of 0.1% adrenaline hydrochloride solution and 2.5% hydrocortisone acetate
emulsion in a course lasting for a week, severe ischemia developed in rats myocardium with necrosis areas
of varying duration.
Prophylactic and therapeutic administration of the of raspberry shoot extract and quercetin had a
beneficial effect on histological structure of myocardium, which was manifested in a decrease/absence of
signs of ischemia, inhibition of cardiomyocyte alteration, acceleration of the organization of necrosis foci;
positively correlated with the state of the contractile apparatus of cells.
The data obtained indicate that the studied raspberry shoot extract has cardioprotective properties. In terms
of cardioprotective effect, raspberry shoot extract was not inferior to the action of the comparator drug quercetin.