CARDIOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA AND OMEGA-3 AGAINST ALUMINUM CHLORIDE–INDUCED CARDIOTOXICITY IN RABBITS

Abstract

Background: Aluminium chloride (AlCl₃) is a widely used inorganic compound known to induce systemic toxicity, especially affecting the cardiovascular system. Chronic exposure to AlCl₃ promotes oxidative stress, myocardial degeneration, and biochemical disturbances that impair cardiac function. Natural antioxidants such as green tea polyphenols and omega-3 fatty acids have shown potential protective roles due to their anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties. This study evaluates the cardioprotective effects of green tea and omega-3 against AlCl₃-induced cardiotoxicity in rabbits. Methods: Thirty-two adult rabbits were divided equally into four groups (n=8). Group I served as the control. Group II received AlCl₃ (300 mg/kg/day) orally for 30 days. Group III received AlCl₃ with green tea extract (50 mg/kg/day). Group IV received AlCl₃ with omega-3 (20 mg/kg/day). Body weight, heart weight, cardiac enzymes (CK-MB, SGOT/AST), and histopathology of cardiac tissue were evaluated. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: AlCl₃ administration caused significant reductions in body weight and increases in absolute and relative heart weight, indicating hypertrophy. CK-MB and AST levels increased sharply, confirming myocardial injury. Co-treatment with green tea lowered these parameters moderately, while omega-3 supplementation showed superior protective effects, restoring cardiac biomarkers close to control values. Histopathological analysis revealed severe myofibrillar degeneration, necrosis, edema, and fibrosis in the AlCl₃ group, while green tea reduced these changes and omega-3 preserved near-normal myocardial architecture. Conclusion: Both green tea and omega-3 exert protective effects against AlCl₃-induced cardiotoxicity, with omega-3 showing greater efficacy. These findings support the potential use of natural antioxidants as therapeutic agents against chemical-induced cardiac injury.