ANTIARRHYTHMIC EFFECT OF THE LEAF VOLATILE OIL OF ELETTARIA CARDAMOMUM MATON. ON THE HEART OF Daphnia magna

N. Subbulekshmi*, Dr. M.Malathi, M.D., DGO. Dr. K. Periyanayagam, B. Sugithra, S. Indumathi, T. Umapoorani

ABSTRACT

Objective: To prescreen the in vivo cardioprotective activity of the leaves of Elettaria cardamomum. Maton Family Zingeberaceae using the model organism Daphnia magna along with preliminary acute toxicity assessment. Method: Thecardioprotective effect of the volatile oil of the leaves of E.cardamomumin vivo on the lactose induced arrhythmic heart of the cladocerans D. magna (Water flea) a novel model system for studying effects of agonists and toxins on cell signalling and ion channels in situwas evaluated. Initially GCMS of the isolated VO, acute toxicity assessment were determined. Results: GC-MS profile of the VO showed the presence of 4-terpineol, 1:8 cineol, α-terpinolene, α-Tujene, α-pinene, sabinene, linalool, α-terpineol, p-cymene, α-terpinene, endbornyl acetate. Normal mean heart beat of the D.magnaat 20±2°C was found to be 180.1± 1.0 beats/min. Arrhythmia was induced by lactose (50mM) in the bathing medium. The VO of the leaves of E.cardamomum(0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0μl/ml) prevented the lactose induced arrhythmia in dose dependent manner. Previous assessment of toxicity showed LC50 5μl/ml. Conclusion: E.cardamomum. (cardamom) has long been recognized and economically is of appreciable importance as a spice. This study indicates that the VO of the leaves of E.cardamomum possesses potential cardio protective activity on the lactose induced arrhythmia of the Daphnia heart without any toxicity and mortality. It is assumed that this may be due to the presence of terpenes in the VO.Further investigation requires confirming this activity.

Keywords: Elettariacardamomum, Zingeberaceae, Cardioprotective action, Daphnia magna, Volatile oil.