Delonix regia flower extract protects against diabetic cardiac remodeling via modulating eNOS/NO/cGMP and NF-κB/iNOS/TNF-α trajectories.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to elucidate potential mechanisms associated with the cardioprotective efficacy of methanolic Delonix regia extract against the pathophysiological diabetic cardiac remodeling.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of the D. regia extract was conducted utilizing liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Diabetes was induced using a high fructose/salt/fat diet, with a concurrent low dose streptozotocin. The extract was administered orally during the final six weeks.

KEY FINDINGS: The analysis identified fifty-nine phytoconstituents within the floral extract. Functionally, the extract was associated with improvements in diabetes-induced alterations in cardiac performance and normalization of electrocardiographic indicators of ventricular activity. Structurally, the extract was associated with attenuation of cardiac remodeling, including reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, improvement of diabetes-induced structural distortions, and decreased fibrotic deposition. Additionally, the extract was associated with modulation of apoptotic markers and increased levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), tetrahydrobiopterin, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and glutathione. Molecular docking suggested that these effects may be attributable to the combined actions of phenolic and flavonoid constituents.

CONCLUSIONS

Methanolic extract of D. regia may have therapeutic potential in the attenuating left ventricular remodeling associated with diabetic cardiomyopathy. These effects appear to be associated with modulation of eNOS/NO/cGMP and NF-κB/iNOS/TNF-α trajectories, along with anti-apoptotic and antifibrotic actions.