EFFECT OF AFRICAN LEAF EXTRACT (Vernonia amygdalina) ON ALLOXANINDUCED DIABETES MELLITUS LEYDIG CELL MYTOSIS OF WISTAR RATS

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus can reduce the quality of human life when accompanied by
complications, one of which is sexual dysfunction. In diabetics, there is an increase in ROS
production which can cause damage to local Leydig cell proliferation so that Leydig cell
activity and testosterone secretion decrease. African leaves can be used as a control of blood
sugar levels and antioxidants to overcome oxidative stress.
Purpose: To determine the effect of administration of African leaf extract (Vernonia
amygdalina) on alloxan-induced Leydig cell mitosis in male rats with diabetes mellitus.
Method: This experimental study used 31 male Rattus norvegicus white rats divided into K,
P0, P1, P2, and P3 groups. Each group consisting of six rats and one rat outside the study
group was used as a reference. Experimental animals will be induced alloxan with a single
dose of 150 mg/kgBW for four days. African leaf extract was administered using a probe to
groups P1, P2, P3 at a dose of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kgBW for 14 days. Rats were
anaesthetized and euthanized so that the testes could be used to make preparations with HE
staining and analysis of preparations using a 400x magnification light microscope. The
research data were analyzed using One-Way Annova with P<0.05.
Results: The administration of African leaf extract affected increasing the number of mitotic
Leydig cells (P=0.026). There was a significant increase in the number of mitotic Leydig cells
at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW (P=0.021), but not effective at a dose of 200 mg/kgBW (P=0.188)
and 400 mg/kgBW (P=0.823).
Conclusion: The administration of African leaf extract at a dose of 100 mg/kgBW has been
shown to increase the number of mitotic Leydig cells so that it can be used to improve sexual
function in diabetics.