DESCRIPTIONS

Mangiferin is a natural polyphenolic antioxidant and xanthone widely distributed in higher plants. Mangiferin has been reported to be present in various parts of the plant mangifera indica linn, mainly in leaves, fruits, stem, bark, heartwood and roots. The plant and its parts have number of medicinal properties against various diseases. The main active principle of the mangifera indica linn plant is mangiferin. Other than the antioxidant, anti radical, anti lipid peroxidative and cardiotonic activities, mangiferin possesses number of other pharmacological properties such as immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, antiviral, anti-diabetic, diuretic, cholerectic and anti-inflammatory actions. Due to the antioxidant, cardio-tonic and other properties, mangiferin isolated from Mangifera indica leaves, was chosen as a prophylactic agent against isoproterenol induced experimental myocardial infarction in rats were studied. Based on the literature and the scientific interest in the possible use of natural plant products as a prophylactic / therapeutic measure, an attempt has been made in the present investigation to evaluate the role of mangiferin on experimental myocardial infarction in rats.