Ultrafast ROS Scavenging Activity of Amur Maple Tree Extracts Confers Robust Cardioprotection for Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Ginnalin A (GA), a polyphenolic compound derived from amur maple trees, has been identified as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recognizing the pivotal role of ROS in exacerbating secondary damage during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), we fractionated GA-enriched extracts from the leaves of the amur maple tree, Acer tataricum L. subsp. ginnala (Maxim.) Wesm., using common solvents of dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA). When co-administered for 30 min, the DCM- and EA-fractioned extracts effectively protected cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂-induced damage. ROS-sensitive probes indicated that treatment with ginnala extracts significantly reduced both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels. Instead of enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes, the ginnala extracts acted as natural antioxidases, directly scavenging various ROS such as superoxide, H₂O₂, hydroxyl radical, and Fe²⁺ within just 20 min. In a MIRI rat model, the in vivo administration of ginnala extracts provided significant cardioprotection by preserving viable myocardia and enhancing cardiac functions. Additionally, treatment with ginnala extracts significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and denatured collagen. Our study suggests that the ultrafast ROS scavenging capability of ginnala extracts offers substantial heart protection during MIRI. Incorporating ginnala extracts as a pharmacological intervention during reperfusion could effectively mitigate ROS-induced cardiac injury.