Cardioprotective Effects of Aerial or Underground Parts of Angelica gigas Nakai in a Rat Transient Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) Model

Abstract

Angelica gigasNakai (AGN) is a medicinal herb traditionally used for vascular and inflammatory disorders due to its bioactive compounds, including decursin (DC) and decursinol angelate (DA). While the underground (UG) parts of AGN have been extensively studied, the aerial parts remain underutilized. This study evaluates the cardioprotective effects of AGN aerial and UG parts in a rat model of transient acute myocardial infarction (AMI) by assessing cardiac biomarkers, echocardiography, and infarct size. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation to induce AMI and were orally administered AGN extracts (200 mg/kg) for 7 days. Serum biochemistry results showed that CK-MB and LDH levels in AGN aerial part administration were significantly decreased compared to the negative (MI + Veh) group. Echocardiographic analysis on days 3 and 7 post-AMI demonstrated improved cardiac function in the AGN-treated groups. Both groups exhibited increased ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS), indicating enhanced systolic function. TTC staining confirmed a significant reduction in infarct size in both AGN treatment groups. These findings highlight the cardioprotective potential of AGN aerial parts, suggesting their potential application in therapeutic and functional food development. This study underscores the relevance of AGN as a candidate for nutraceuticals and sustainable plant-based interventions for cardiovascular health.