Cardioprotective Efficacy of Ageratum conyzoides Leaf Extract in Paroxetine-Administered Male Rats

Abstract

Chronic use of paroxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is increasingly linked to cardiovascular complications. Owing to safety concerns and the cost of synthetic drugs, plant-based therapies are gaining attention. This study evaluated the cardioprotective potential of Ageratum conyzoides leaf extract (EEACL) via its effects on the Arginase/NO/PDE5 axis and lipid homeostasis. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into six groups (n=5): naive control, paroxetine-only (10 mg/kg), sildenafil (4 mg/kg), and EEACL treated groups (15, 30, 45 mg/kg). Paroxetine (21 days) significantly (P < 0.05) increased cardiac PDE5 (0.98±0.05 vs 0.78±0.02 mmol/min/mg) and arginase (6.32±0.31 vs 5.35±0.41 mmol/min/mg), reduced NO (61.87±1.36 pg/mL), elevated troponin I (4.72±0.18 pg/mL), and raised total cholesterol (26.33±0.22 mmol/L). Seven-day EEACL treatment reversed these effects. At 45 mg/kg, arginase (5.11±0.22 mmol/min/mg) and troponin I (1.45±0.42 pg/mL) improved, while 15 mg/kg increased NO (72.92±5.29 pg/mL). EEACL at 15 and 30 mg/kg reduced total cholesterol (19.98±3.15; 20.16±1.89 mmol/L) and normalized the atherogenic index (0.09±0.02). These findings suggest A. conyzoides may offer cardioprotection by restoring Arginase/NO/PDE5 balance and lipid stability, supporting its potential as an adjunct therapy for drug-induced cardiotoxicity.