Rauwolfia serpentina Treatment Prevents Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Fibrosis in the Heart and Kidneys of Isoprenaline-Administered Rats

This study examined the protective effects of Rauwolfia serpentina root extract against isoprenaline (ISO)-induced oxidative stress, fibrosis, and cardiac injury in rats. ISO (50 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously twice weekly. Biochemical markers, including uric acid, creatinine, CK-MB, MDA, NO, AOPP, and antioxidant enzymes, were evaluated, alongside histopathological analysis. ISO increased oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac damage, while R. serpentina treatment significantly reduced uric acid, creatinine, CK-MB, MDA, NO, AOPP, and myeloperoxidase levels, and restored antioxidant activity. Histology showed reduced fibrosis and inflammatory infiltration in treated rats. Gene expression analysis revealed downregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-6, along with activation of the Nrf2-HO-1 pathway. Network pharmacology identified six key polyphenols in R. serpentina interacting with 141 cardiac hypertrophy-related proteins. Overall, R. serpentina mitigates ISO-induced cardiac and renal damage by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis.