Effect of policosanol on isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in rats.

Policosanol is a mixture of higher aliphatic primary alcohols isolated from sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum L.) and octacosanol represents its main component. This study was conducted to examine the effects of policosanol on myocardial necrosis induced by subcutaneous injection of isoprenaline in rats. A significant reduction (P < 0.01) of infarct size, polymorphonuclear cells and mast cells was observed in animals treated with policosanol at 5 or 25 mg kg-1, while animals receiving only acetysalicylic acid pretreatment showed a significant decrease in the infarct area (P < 0.05). No significant differences in polymorphonuclear and mast cells were obtained when compared with positive control data. It is concluded that policosanol delays the evolution of infarction, showing a protective effect on the myocardial necrosis induced by isoprenaline in this experimental model.