CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF SANDAL WOOD (SANTALUM ALBUM LINN.): AN EXPERIMENTAL TRAIL

Background: In the Unani System of Medicine, Sandal safed (Sandalwood) is used in many cardiac problems as it possesses Mufarreh (exhilarant) and Muqawwi Qalb (cardiotonic) activities. The present study was designed to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Sandal safed in Isoproterenol-induced Myocardial Infarction. Methods: Male Wistar rats, weighing 150-200gm, divided into five groups of ten in each. Group I and III rats were given 5% gum acacia (vehicle) and Sandalwood powder in the dose of 800 mg/kg body weight, orally once daily for seven days, followed by subcutaneous administration of normal saline on the 8th and 9th day. Group II, IV & V were administered 5% gum acacia, test drug in the dose of 600 & 800mg/kg body weight, orally once daily for seven days, respectively, followed by isoproterenol hydrochloride (50 mg/ kg body weight) subcutaneously, twice at an interval of 24 h on 8th and 9th day. On 10th day, animals were sacrificed, heart and adrenal glands were weighed, and serum cardiac enzymes and lipid profile were analysed. Histopathological study of apex of the heart was carried out. Results: In group- II rats, serum cardiac enzymes, serum cholesterol, TG, LDL, VLDL, and weight of the heart and adrenal gland were found to be increased significantly (P< 0.001), and HDL, cardiac glycogen and adrenal ascorbic acid were decreased significantly along with gross pathological changes in heart tissues, but in group IV & V rats, the above parameters were normal. Conclusion: Sandal safed revealed cardioprotective effect in dose dependent manner without any side effects.