Ursolic acid prevents cyclophosphamide induced myocardial oxidative tissue damage in wistar rats

Herbs and spices of natural origin have been used traditionally for culinary and therapeutic purposes. Ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, is a major component of various foods, herbs and spices utilized in daily life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardio-protective action of ursolic acid against cardio-toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Animals were randomly divided into control group (1% dimethyl sulfoxide, s.c.), toxic control (Cyclophosphamide 200 mg/kg, i.p.), ursolic acid treated (40 mg/kg, s.c.) and ursolic acid-cyclophosphamide combination treatment. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the treatment period and biochemical, electrocardiographic and histopathological changes were measured. Cyclophosphamide treatment showed marked increase in biomarker enzymes (CKNAC, CKMB, LDH, AST, and ALT), decreased tissue antioxidants (SOD, catalase & GSH), hyperlipidemia (TC, TG) and abnormal electrocardiographic (HR, RR, QRS, QT & PR intervals) and histopathological changes. Ursolic acid treatment restored tissue antioxidants, normalised biochemical and electrocardiographic parameters and prevented structural damage of the myocardium. Findings from this study indicate the protective role of ursolic acid against cardiotoxicity caused by cyclophosphamide.