Beneficial effects induced by a novel formulation based on Olea europaea, Scutellaria baicalensis and policosanols on the heart

Cardiovascular diseases continue to be among the primary causes of death worldwide. Oxidative stress and inflammatory mechanisms are deeply involved in their pathogenesis. In this context, biomarkers, such as cardiac troponins, are critical tools for assessing cardiovascular risk. Olea europaea (Oleaceae) has been proven to exert antioxidant activities. Scutellaria baicalensis, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, has demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in various therapeutic models. Policosanols, a group of long-chain alcohols derived from sugarcane, have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and combat oxidative stress. This study investigates the cardioprotective potential of a plant-based formulation composed of Olea europaea, Scutellaria baicalensis, and policosanols. Three concentrations were tested: mixture 1 (5 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml, 1.5 µg/ml); mixture 2 (50 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, 15 µg/ml); and mixture 3 (500 µg/ml, 1000 µg/ml, 150 µg/ml). The cytotoxicity of these mixtures was evaluated on HFF-1 human fibroblasts using MTT assay, with no significant toxicity observed at concentrations up to 1000 μg/ml. Among the mixtures, the third formulation showed the most notable effects in reducing H₂O₂-induced damage and oxidative stress in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Additionally, in an ex vivo model of LPS-induced inflammation in murine cardiac tissue, this mixture significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory and oxidative markers such as COX-2, NF-kB, TNF-α, and iNOS. Furthermore, it led to a decrease in cardiac injury biomarkers (troponin I and BNP) and increased the levels of catalase (CAT), highlighting a protective antioxidant response. In conclusion, the results suggest that this botanical formulation may exert a protective role on cardiac tissue exposed to oxidative stress. However, additional investigations are necessary to confirm and further elucidate these effects.