Cardiotonic potential of aqueous extracts from the leaves and roots of Balanites aegyptiaca on the cardiac mechanics of crapauds (Bufo bufo)

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cardiotonic activity and to determine the probable mechanisms of action of aqueous  extracts of the leaves (EAFBAE) and roots (EARBAE) of Balanites aegyptiaca on isolated toad heart. The cardiotonic activity of the extracts  and their mechanisms of action were determined using the Langerdhorff device. In this study, digoxin (0.5 mg/mL) was used as the  standard, while adrenaline (10-2 mg/mL) acetylcholine (10-6 mg/mL) and propranolol (10-6 mg/mL), amlodipine (10-6 mg/mL) and atropine (0.1 mg/kg) were used to determine the probable mechanisms of action of the extracts. The study of the cardiotonic activity  showed that EAFBAE (3mg/mL) and EARBAE (2mg/mL) significantly (< 0.05) induced positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the  isolated toad heart as compared to digoxin. In the presence of propranolol (β-adrenergic antagonist) and amlodipine (calcium channel  blocker), EAFBAE (3mg/mL) and EARBAE (2mg/mL) significantly decreased the cardiac contractility (heart rate, force of contraction and  cardiac output), as compared to adrenaline. The results of this study suggest that the extracts tested have beneficial and interesting  effects in stimulating cardiac activity via the adrenergic pathway and calcium channels.