Phyto therapeutic Potential of Indigenous Plant Extracts Against Salbutamol-Induced Myocardial Injury and Lipid Dysregulation

Background Salbutamol, a widely used bronchodilator, is known to induce cardiovascular side effects and cardiotoxicity, exacerbating the global burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Traditional medicinal plants offer a promising, often safer and more affordable, alternative for managing cardiac disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the cardioprotective and antilipidemic efficacy of indigenous plant extracts against salbutamol-induced myocardial injury in rabbits. Methods New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into six groups, including healthy control, salbutamol-induced control, and a standard curative group treated with propranolol (Inderal). Other groups were treated with aqueous extracts of Alpinia zerumbet , Citrullus colocynthis , Cuscuta reflexa , Ranunculus bulbosus , Solanum xanthocarpum , and Viola tricolor at 50 µL/mL and 100 µL/mL after salbutamol induction. Plant materials were collected from Lahore, identified, dried, and extracted using standard methods. Myocardial injury was induced by oral administration of salbutamol (60 mg/kg b.wt.) for two days. Biochemical assessments included cardiac marker enzymes (LDH, CK-MB, AST, ALT, AP, ALP, CK-CPK), lipid profiles (Cholesterol, Triglyceride, LDL, HDL), and total blood counts (WBC, RBC, Hb) using commercial kits. Statistical analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s comparison test (P < 0.05). Results Salbutamol induction significantly elevated cardiac marker enzymes (LDH, CK-MB, AST, ALT, AP, ALP, CK-CPK), increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and decreased WBC, RBC, and Hb counts compared to the healthy control. Treatment with Inderal effectively reversed these adverse changes. Most plant extracts, particularly Alpinia zerumbet , Ranunculus bulbosus , Solanum xanthocarpum , Viola tricolor , and Citrullus colocynthis at 100 µL/mL, demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects, reducing cardiac enzyme levels and improving lipid profiles comparably to, or in some cases, better than Inderal. These extracts also effectively restored hematological parameters towards normal ranges. Cuscuta reflexa showed relatively less pronounced protective effects. Conclusion The indigenous plant extracts investigated possess significant cardioprotective and antilipidemic properties against salbutamol-induced heart injury, offering a scientific basis for their traditional use. These findings suggest their potential as efficacious, safer, and economically viable alternatives to synthetic drugs for managing cardiovascular disorders and contributing to public health. Further research is warranted to isolate active compounds and elucidate their precise mechanisms of action.