Effects of Dandelion root infusion on heart function and oxidative status of rats

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to examine the effects of dandelion root infusion on rats' heart function and oxidative status. At the beginning of the experimental protocol Wistar albino rats were randomly classified into two groups (10 rats per group):1. control group – animals who drank tap water; 2. experimental group – animals who drank dandelion root infusion for four weeks. Every morning for four weeks, the animals received a fresh infusion of dandelion in a volume of 250 ml. At the end of the experimental protocol, animals were sacrificed and the hearts were isolated and retrogradely perfused according to the Langendorff technique at a gradually increasing perfusion pressure between 40–120 cm H2O. following parameters of myocardial function: maximum rate of pressure development in the left ventricle (dp/dt max), minimum rate of pressure development in the left ventricle (dp/dt min), systolic left ventricular pressure (SLVP), diastolic left ventricular pressure (DLVP), heart rate (HR). The coronary flow (CF) was measured flowmetrically. Blood samples were collected after sacrificing for determination of oxidative stress biomarkers: nitrite (NO2−), superoxide anion radical (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the index of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Present results indicated that applied dandelion root infusion did not manifest negative impact on all aspects of heart function and perfusion, pointing him out as a safe cardiac supplement. In addition, dandelion consumption was associated with promising results in terms of maintaining the redox balance which proved it`s antioxidant potential.