Urtica Dioica attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in Wistar rats: In vitro, in vivo, and molecular docking studies

Despite significant advancements in treatment, cardiovascular diseases, particularly myocardial infarction (MI), remain the leading cause of mortality globally. Current treatments, such as ACE inhibitors and statins, often carry adverse effects, prompting the need for safer alternatives. This study investigates the cardioprotective potential of Urtica dioica essential oil (UDEO) in a rat model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI GC–MS analysis revealed UDEO's major constituents as phytol, β-linalool, and α-terpineol. In vitro, UDEO exhibited potent antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities. In vivo, pretreatment with UDEO (200 and 300 mg/kg) or Pidogrel (2 mg/kg) for 30 days significantly improved cardiac markers, lipid profiles, and electrolyte balance, while reducing oxidative stress and restoring ECG patterns. Histological and molecular docking studies confirmed UDEO's anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and cardioprotective effects, supported by favorable ADME properties. The current study highlights the potential of UDEO as a natural therapeutic agent for MI, demonstrating its cardioprotective effects through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms. These findings suggest that UDEO could offer a safer alternative to conventional treatments for MI.