The cytoprotective effect of Gymnema inodorum leaf extract against hypoxia-induced cardiomyocytes injury

Ischemic heart disease stands out as a major global contributor to mortality, with the initiation of hypoxia, marked by reduced oxygen availability, disrupting the balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to cellular injury. Exploring antioxidants derived from medicinal plants is becoming more interesting as a potential alternative treatment, especially for mitigating myocardial injury. Thus, this study aimed to assess the cytoprotective efficacy of Gymnema inodorum leaf extract (GIE) in a rat cardiac myoblast, H9c2, subjected to an in vitro hypoxia. The cell viability, intracellular ROS production and the expression of inflammatory cytokines were quantified, and hypoxia-induced cell morphology changes were observed using confocal fluorescence microscopy. The results showed that GIE notably enhanced cell viability, preserving membrane integrity, when compared with the hypoxic group. Remarkably, GIE significantly reduced hypoxia-induced intracellular ROS production, attributable to its inherent antioxidant properties. Furthermore, GIE significantly reduced interleukin (IL)-1 beta, interleukin (IL)-6 mRNA expression level and tended to reduce tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNA expression. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential of GIE in mitigating hypoxia-induced myocardial injury, highlighting its robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes.