Evaluation of the effect of stone herbal mixture drink on cardiac markers (Troponin I, C & T)

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be a major global health concern, contributing to a significant proportion of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As our understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying cardiac health and disease evolves, researchers have turned their attention to exploring potential alternative or complementary therapies. Herbal remedies have been a subject of increasing interest due to their historical use and potential to influence physiological processes. Troponins, specifically Troponin I (Ti) and Troponin T (Tt), are critical cardiac markers widely recognized for their diagnostic significance in assessing myocardial injury. Elevated levels of these markers indicate cardiac muscle damage, often associated with conditions like myocardial infarction and heart failure. Investigating interventions that could influence these cardiac markers presents an avenue for exploring potential therapeutic strategies and preventive measures against CVDs. This study was an experimental study comprising a total of thirty-six (36) Wistar rats divided into five (6) groups of six (6) animals each. The six groups were Group 1, control group fed with top feed and water only, Group 2 standard drug (Aspirin 500mg/kg body weight) + 0.30mls of stone herbal mixture, Group 3 with 0.30ml of stone herbal mixture, Group 4 with 0.25ml of stone herbal mixture, Group 5 with 0.15ml of stone herbal mixture and Group 6 with 0.10ml of stone herbal mixture. The treatment was given daily and lasted for 21 days. Blood was collected into Lithium Heparin anticoagulant bottles from the brachiocephalic artery of each rat and the sample analyzed for cardiac parameters. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, which contain 1000mg, 850mg, 650mg, and 500mg of stone herbal mixture, showed significant increases of this cardiac marker troponin I statistically (p<0.01) with percentages of 21%, 27%, 64%, and 77%, respectively, when compared to the control group one. Also, group two, administered with 1000mg of the stone herbal mixture and 500mg per kg body weight of aspirin, totally reversed toxicity compared to the control group one. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, which contain 1000mg, 850mg, 650mg, and 500mg of the stone herbal mixture, showed significant increases of this cardiac marker troponin C (p<0.05) with percentages of 23%, 29%, 70%, and 111%, respectively, when compared to the control group one. Groups 3, 4, 5, and 6, which contain 1000mg, 850mg, 650mg, and 500mg of the stone herbal mixture, showed significant increases of this cardiac marker troponin T (p<0.05) with percentages of 26%, 29%, 64%, and 121%, respectively, when compared to the control group one. In conclusion, this study underscores the need for caution when using Stone Herbal Mixture, as higher doses observed from the increasing volume administered may pose a risk to heart health. The cardioprotective effect of aspirin observed in this study emphasizes the potential benefits of combining herbal remedies with established medications for cardiovascular health.