Cardioprotective Potential of Isolated Phytochemicals: Influence on Cardiomyocyte Survival, Apoptosis, and Heart Function

Abstract

Aims: The present study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the cardioprotective potential of phytochemicals obtained from Bryophyllum pinnatum through in vitro cardiomyocyte models.        

Study Design: Experimental laboratory-based study involving phytochemical isolation, spectroscopic characterization, and cardiomyocyte viability and apoptosis assessment.                       

Methodology: Leaves of Bryophyllum pinnatum were collected, dried, powdered, and extracted using methanol. The isolated phytochemical fractions were purified through chromatographic techniques and characterized using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), UV– Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), and Mass Spectrometry (MS). Cardioprotective activity was evaluated using cultured H9c2 cardiomyocyte cells. Cell viability was determined by the MTT assay, while apoptosis    was      assessed           using   Annexin          V-FITC/PI       staining.                       

Results: HPLC and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides in the isolated fractions. HPLC analysis revealed three major fractions with retention times of 5.2, 7.8, and 12.3 minutes and peak areas of 42.5%, 35.6%, and 21.9%, respectively. The highest cardiomyocyte viability (95.2%) was observed at 10 µg/mL concentration, whereas viability decreased to 82.5% and 70.3% at 50 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Apoptosis analysis showed the lowest apoptotic cell percentage (4.8%) at 10 µg/mL, which increased to 17.5% and 29.5% at higher concentrations. These findings indicate a concentration-dependent cardioprotective effect of the isolated phytochemicals. 

Conclusion: The study demonstrated that phytochemicals isolated from Bryophyllum pinnatum possess significant cardioprotective properties. The presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides contributed to improved cardiomyocyte survival and reduced apoptosis at lower concentrations. These findings support the potential use of Bryophyllum pinnatum as a source of natural cardioprotective agents for future cardiovascular therapeutic development.