Protective Effect of Pinus Eldarica Bark Extract on Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats Publisher

Summary: Could pine bark protect hearts during chemotherapy? An animal study found Pinus eldarica extract eased doxorubicin-related cardiac injury; human benefit is unproven. #CardioOncology #Research

Izadi M S ; Jalali M ; Safaeian L ; Zolfaghari B
Source: Proceedings of the Indian National Science Academy Published:2026

Abstract

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy drug that may cause cardiotoxicity. This study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of Pinus eldarica bark extract as a rich source of phenolic compounds against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in an animal model. The hydroalcoholic extract was obtained by the maceration process, and its total phenolic content was determined as 502.47 mg of gallic acid equivalent/g of the extract. Male Wistar rats were treated by oral administration of 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg P. eldarica bark extract for 14 days. Injection of DOX (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was performed on the 10th day for the induction of cardiac toxicity. At the end of the study, the heart weight, cardiac electrical activity, serum levels of cardiac injury factors and oxidative stress parameters were measured. The histological changes of the hearts were also evaluated. DOX administration significantly decreased R-R interval and increased the heart rate. In addition, elevated serum creatine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels, and reduced total antioxidant capacity, besides an increase in the heart weight, and pathological alterations in the cardiac tissue were observed in the DOX group. Treatment with P. eldarica extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg reversed all changes induced by DOX. In conclusion, findings of this investigation indicated the beneficial effects of P. eldarica bark extract in the protection of cardiac tissue against oxidative damage caused by DOX through improving structural, electrical and physiological changes in this animal model of cardiotoxicity. © Indian National Science Academy 2026.