EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ANNONA MURICATA LEAF ON THE HEART OF ADULT WISTAR RATS

Annona muricata (also known as Soursop) is a tropical fruit which belongs to the annonaceae family, native to tropical countries, it is a small evergreen tree that can be slender and upright or low spreading and bushy and become straggly as it matures. Different components of Annona muricata are extensively applied in traditional medicine of many countries to cure various ailments and diseases. This study examines The Effect of Annona muricata on the hearts of adult Wistar Rats. This work involved the use of an experimental study design, consisting of twenty-four (24) adult Wistar rats weighing 180-200g which were acclimatized for two (2) weeks, separated into four (4) groups; A, B, C and D with each group having six (6) Wistar rats of randomized patterns for administration and were all weighed prior to it. In Group A (control group), the rats were administered with feed and distilled water, Group B were administered with 200mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (low dose), Group C were administered with 400mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (intermediate dose), Group D were administered with 800mg/kg body weight of aqueous extract of Annona muricata (high dose). After administration (twenty-seven (27) days), the animals were sacrificed, organs harvested and processed for assays according to established methods. Data from the animals were subjected to statistical analysis using GraphPad prism version 8.1 statistical package and relevant statistical values were obtained. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out and data were presented as mean ± standard error of mean (SEM). Least significant. Difference (LSD) post-hoc test was used. Values of P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. The statistical values obtained were converted into graphical representation in form of bar charts. Histologically, Group A, the control group, showed heart tissue with normal architecture composed of distinct cardiomyocytes, coronary arteries and interstitial spaces. Group B, also showed heart tissue with architecture composed of distinct cardiomyocytes, coronary arteries filled with blood (active vascular congestion) and normal interstitial spaces. Group C showed heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles with active coronary vascular congestion and mild perivascular infiltrates of plasma cells. Group D, showing the heart tissue with normal cardiomyocyte bundles, coronary arteries and interstitial spaces, all normal. In conclusion, across the graded doses, Annona muricata had no damaging effect on the heart tissue, it proved to have vasodilative properties as it increased blood flow in the coronary vessels in the heart tissue.