The Effectiveness of Ethanol Extract of Terminalia catappa L. Leaves on Blood Glucose Levels and Pancreatic Histopathology in Streptozotocin-Induced Male Wistar Rats.
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Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the body experiences an increase in blood glucose levels but is unable to produce energy effectively. This condition is commonly known as hyperglycemia, which occurs due to impaired insulin secretion, decreased insulin sensitivity, or a combination of both. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia in patients can lead to serious damage to various body systems. In the pancreas, it may cause a reduction in both the number and size of the islets of Langerhans, particularly affecting the insulin-producing beta cells. This condition is characterized by a decrease in the cellular population within the islets of Langerhans compared to a normal pancreas, along with a reduction in the number of alpha, beta, and delta cells.
Ketapang (Terminalia catappa L.) leaves contain antioxidant compounds known to act as free radical scavengers. These antioxidants help prevent conditions in which the number of free radicals in the body exceeds the body’s capacity to neutralize them, leading to oxidative stress. The main bioactive components found in Ketapang (Terminalia catappa L.) leaves include flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and saponins. Flavonoids, a class of polyphenolic compounds, are known for their pharmacological properties, particularly their antidiabetic activity. Based on this background, the present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the ethanol extract of Ketapang (Terminalia catappa L.) leaves on blood glucose levels and pancreatic histology in streptozotocin-induced male Wistar rats.