Cardioprotective effects of Cichorium intybus in ageing myocardium of albino rats

The cardioprotective effects of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of Cichorium intybus (CE) have been examined in the ageing myocardium of albino rats. Shade-dried powdered leaves of C. intybus were fed to the ageing animals for 30 days. The effects of CE on malondialdehyde level (peroxidative damage-index) on taurine, glutathione and catalase activity of the heart have been studied. Ageing caused peroxidative damage, increase in taurine and glutathione levels in the heart. Catalase activity decreased in the ageing myocardium. CE was found to ameliorate the age-induced injury and offered protection to the heart from oxidative damage, suggestive of ageing.