Ameliorative effect of Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) on chemically induced arrhythmias in Rats

Abstract

Introduction: Antioxidant factors play an important role in cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal plants are considered as suitable replacement for chemical drugs. Hydro-alcoholic extract of Cynara scolymus L. (artichoke) was effective in the treatment of different diseases due to its strong antioxidant properties. This study was designed to examine the ameliorative effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of artichoke against CaCl2 induced arrhythmia in rats.Materials and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were divided into 5 groups: Control (saline 1 ml/kg, gavage, 21 days), Extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, gavage, 21 days) and Amiodarone (10 mg/kg, i.v). The rats were anesthetized and the antidysrhythmic effects induced by CaCl2 (140 mg/kg) injection was evaluated. Lead II was recorded at the first and the last days of the experimental period. Heart rate (HR), incidence rate of premature ventricular beats (PVB), ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT) were calculated and the data obtained from extract groups were compared to those from the amiodarone group. Results were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and FISHER exact test. Level of statistical significance was set at P