Structural and morphological modulation of the myocardium by Dioscorea bulbifera saponins in experimentally induced cardiotoxicity

This study investigated the ameliorative potential of a saponin derived from Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils in mitigating experimentally induced cardiotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Forty-eight rats were divided into eight groups (n = 6). Group A received distilled water, and Group B received doxorubicin (10 mg/kg). Groups C and D received SRF (50 or 100 mg/kg) for 14 days. Groups E and F received doxorubicin with SRF, while Groups G and H were pretreated with SRF before doxorubicin on day 15. Blood and heart tissues were collected for analysis after euthanasia. Rats in the doxorubicin-only group (Group B) exhibited significant elevations in serum cardiac injury markers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), along with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressures and elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Conversely, activities of key antioxidant enzymes—superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT)—were markedly reduced. Enhanced glycogen accumulation, Caspase-3 activation, and CD4 expression further indicated heightened oxidative stress and apoptosis. Treatment with SRF, particularly in the pre- and co-administration protocols, significantly attenuated these alterations. The saponin-rich fraction of Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils demonstrated substantial cardioprotective potential against doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury, likely through its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. • There were notable increases in oxidative stress and cardiac markers in the study. • There was a significant rise in blood pressure due to increases in both systolic and diastolic pressures. • Glycogen content, Caspase-3, and CD4 were found to be elevated in the toxic group.