Fig. 2.

Histological analysis of rat heart with H and E staining and light microscopy. (a) Normal control; most cells are elongated and rod shaped. (b) 30 min ischemia followed by 15 min reperfusion; striated muscles and contracted bands. (c) 30 min ischemia followed by 30 min reperfusion; cell swelling, striated muscles and blood vessels seen. (d) 30 min ischemia followed by 45 min reperfusion; cell swelling and increased congested blood vessels. (e) pre- treatment with Desmodium gangeticum root extract followed by 30 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion; Elongated cells that suggest the beneficial effect. (f) pre-treatment with Desmodium gangeticum root extract followed by 30 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion; cells are intact and except few cells all the cells are normal. A layer of blood vessel lined by endothelial cells seen.(g) pre-treated with verapamil followed by 30 min ischemia and 45 min reperfusion; cell swelling and loss of striations.