Cardioprotective Potentials of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Persea americana on Doxorubicin-Induced Male Wistar Rats

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of deaths worldwide. Persea americana seed has been used for its antioxidant, anti-dyslipidemic, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. The health benefits of avocado seeds stem from essential nutrients and phytochemicals. This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective potentials of ethanolic seed extract of Persea americana on doxorubicin-induced male wistar rats. Thirty-six male wistar rats were divided into six groups: Group A were control rats. Group B rats received doxorubicin (DOX) alone in over a 5 weeks period. Group C animals received the DOX treatment plus Vitamin E. Groups D, E and F rats received the DOX treatment plus 400 mg/Kg, 800 mg/Kg and 1200 mg/Kg b.wt of the extract respectively. Animals were sacrificed after the treatment period, histopathological examination was carried out on the heart tissues, and serum lactate dehydrogenase, Creatine kinase-MB and Troponin I levels were evaluated. The results showed that DOX+400 and DOX+800 mg/kg b.wt of the extract were found to be lower in Lactate dehydrogenase and Troponin I values when compared to those of the DOX-test group. Moreover, the body weight gains of the groups administered with the extract were significantly lower than that of the normal group. Histology result showed myocytic proliferation and mild congestion in the heart tissues of the DOX-Test group, indicating response to injury, whereas the rest of the groups showed a conserved heart architecture. The extract acted as cardioprotective agent against DOX induced toxicity as evidenced by mitigation of impacts on cardiac function markers. These findings support the therapeutic values attributed to P. americana.