The herbal drug Catuama reverts and prevents ventricular fibrillation in the isolated rabbit heart.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Catuama, an herbal drug very popular in Brazil, was tested on the reversion and prevention of ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the isolated rabbit heart. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Catuama (a mixture of Trichilia catigua, Paullinia cupana, Ptychopetalum olacoides, and Zinziber officinalis) was perfused in the isolated perfused rabbit heart. Its effects on intraventricular conduction, heart rate, and monophasic action potential (MAP) duration were evaluated, and sustained VF was induced. The effects on reversion and reinduction of arrhythmia were observed, and new measures were taken in the hearts that reverted. RESULTS: Catuama and T catigua reverted VF in all hearts, prevented reinduction, and prolonged intraventricular conduction. Catuama prolonged MAP phase 2. On the other hand, P cupana reverted VF in 3 of 5 hearts, but depressed automatism, prolonged MAP phase 3, and did not prevent reinduction. DISCUSSION: Catuama reverted and prevented VF in this model. T catigua extract is probably the main agent responsible for the beneficial actions observed. Further studies are now in progress to clarify these actions.