Protective effects of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on mitochondrial dysfunction and damage induced by isoproterenol in hearts of male rats

The impact of a methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage and its mechanism of action on mitochondrial function in male rats has been investigated. Administration of isoproterenol caused increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage leading to decreased production of adenosine triphosphate. Pre-treatment with the extract reduced the generation of the reactive oxygen species and increased the antioxidant status compared to an isoproterenol-treated group. There was enhancement in the activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, electron transport chain components, and adenosine triphosphate production in the mitochondria of the extract pre-treated rats. Mitochondrial membrane damage induced by isoproterenol was also reduced, as evidenced by the increased mitochondrial membrane potential, decreased mitochondrial Ca2+ overload, and reduced release of cytochrome c. Hence, O. sanctum can protect the heart from isoproterenol-induced cardiac damage.