Abstract: Objective To investigate the antagonistic effect of volatile oil from coconut shell against myocardial injury induced by acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods 60 Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: sham operation group, model group, positive control group (oral administration), high, medium and low group of volatile oil from coconut shell (atomization inhalation). Apart from sham operation group, the rest groups were established the model of AMI through coronary artery left anterior descending ligation. Administration began on the day of modeling, once a day and last for seven days. The cardiac function, the levels of CK-MB and cardiac troponin (cTnI, cTnT), pathological changes (HE staining), myocardial infarction area were evaluated on the eighth day. Results After the administration of volatile oil from coconut shell, the cardiac function was significantly improved (P <0.01). The levels of CK-MB, cTnI and cTnT were significantly improved (P <0.01) in the high and medium groups. The pathological damage and myocardial infarction area were significantly decreased (P <0.01). Conclusion The volatile oil from coconut shell could protect the myocardial injury induced by AMI through the improvement of the function of ischemic myocardium and seducement the damage of myocardial cells.

Key words: volatile oil from coconut shell, acute myocardial infarction, myocardial injury