Magnolol reduces infarct size and suppresses ventricular arrhythmia in rats subjected to coronary ligation

1. Magnolol is an active component of Magnolia officinalis. It is 1000-times more patent than alpha-tocopherol in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat heart mitochondria. In the present study, the in vivo antiarrhythmic and anti-ischaemic effects of magnolol in coronary ligated rats were investigated. 2. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized with urethane. Magnolol, at dosages of 10(-7), 10(-8) and 10(-9) g/kg, was administered intravenously 15 min before ligation of the coronary artery. 3. The incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation during 30 min coronary ligation were significantly reduced by magnolol. Ventricular arrhythmias during 10 min reperfusion after the relief of coronary ligation were also reduced. 4. In rats subjected to 4 h coronary ligation, 10(-7) and 10(-8) g/kg magnolol significantly reduced infarct size. 5. We conclude that magnolol may protect the myocardium against ischaemic injury and suppress ventricular arrhythmia during ischaemia and reperfusion.