Takotsubo syndrome (TTS) is an acute heart failure syndrome characterised by catecholamine-induced oxidative tissue damage. Punica granatum, a fruit-bearing tree, is known to have high polyphenolic content and has been proven to be a potent antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PoPEx) pre-treatment on isoprenaline-induced takotsubo-like myocardial injury in rats. Male Wistar rats were randomised into four groups. Animals in the PoPEx(P) and PoPEx + isoprenaline group (P + I) were pre-treated for 7 days with 100 mg/kg/day of PoPEx. On the sixth and the seventh day, TTS-like syndrome was induced in rats from the isoprenaline(I) and P + I groups by administering 85 mg/kg/day of isoprenaline. PoPEx pre-treatment led to the elevation of superoxide dismutase and catalase (p < 0.05), reduced glutathione (p < 0.001) levels, decreased the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (p < 0.001), H₂O₂, O₂⁻ (p < 0.05), and NO₂⁻ (p < 0.001), in the P + I group, when compared to the I group. In addition, a significant reduction in the levels of cardiac damage markers, as well as a reduction in the extent of cardiac damage, was found. In conclusion, PoPEx pre-treatment significantly attenuated the isoprenaline-induced myocardial damage, primarily via the preservation of endogenous antioxidant capacity in the rat model of takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy.

Eryngium amethystinum L is a plant which grows in Balkan and Apennine peninsulas. The aerial parts, roots and fruits are used in ethnopharmacology of Italy and Western Balkan countries. Traditional preparations of E amethystinum were used in treatment of oedema, malaria and gastrointestinal diseases. Essential oils and extracts were isolated from aerial parts and roots of E amethystinum and examined by antimicrobial, antioxidative and cytotoxic assays. Gas-chromatography analysis showed predominance of germacrene D and spathulenol in essential oils of E amethystinum aerial parts, which have contributed to strong cytotoxic activity, while the methanolic extract exhibited strong antioxidative and antimicrobial activity. This article summarises all existing knowledge regarding E amethystinum, its chemical composition and pharmacological activity.

The aim of this study was to determine the antidotal potential of the chlorinated oxime K870 compared to obidoxime, as a monotherapy and in combination with atropine, in paraoxon (POX)-poisoned rats. The treatment doses of oximes were chosen as 20% of their LD₅₀ values. The protective ratio (PR) of oxime K870 with atropine was significantly higher than that of obidoxime with atropine (68.8 and 125.0, respectively). In the biochemical part of the experiment POX subcutaneously (s.c.) (0.75% LD₅₀) was administered and followed by oxime K870 or obidoxime i.m. 1 min later. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was determined spectrophotometrically in cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, diaphragm, and erythrocytes. Carboxylesterase activity was determined in plasma and liver. Both oximes successfully reactivated AChE in brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem), diaphragm and erythrocytes, but the oxime K870 performed better than obidoxime. Both oximes reactivated carboxylesterase, obidoxime better in plasma and oxime K870 better in liver. In conclusion, the oxime K870, when co-administered with atropine, is a more effective antidote than the obidoxime-atropine combination in POX-poisoned rats.