Protective effects of ‘Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshad Wala’, a unani formulation against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity

Doxorubicin is one of the most active cytotoxic agents in current use. The clinical usefulness of the doxorubicin has been precluded by its marked cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshadwala, a well known unani cardiac tonic formulation, pre-treatment on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity in rats. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats, divided into four groups, were used. Khamira Abresham Hakim Arshadwala was administered daily, for 7 days, and a single dose of doxorubicin (10 mg/kg, i.v.) on day 5. After 48 h of doxorubicin injection, animals were sacrificed. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine were estimated in the serum. Heart specimens were used for biochemical estimations of lipid peroxides (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, and for microscopic examination of histopathological changes. Doxorubicin showed cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, as eviden...