Effects of Gambir leaves extract (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) in preventing the aging process inducted D-galactose on pancreas mice

Abstract

Abstract Increasing level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage the cell membrane and composition of DNA, leading to organ degeneration. Pancreas is among the organs that is sensitive to oxidative damage. Consumption of flavonoid-rich stuffs such as herbs, fruits and vegetables are believed to strengthen antioxidant capacity in the body in neutralizing free radicals. Gambir leaves have been used traditionally as remedies of various diseases. The most prominent active compounds in Gambir is flavonoid catechin which belongs to flavan-3-ols group. D-galactose is monosaccharide thatin high concentration can increase ROS generationand induce senescence in animal models. In this study, we aimed to observe the effect of Gambir leaves extract (GLE) in preventing ROS production and pancreas damage in galactose-induced mice model. Twenty-four female mice were divided into 4 groups amd injectedwith D-galactose 150 mg/kgBW intraperitoneally for 6 weeks. Three groups were supplemented with GLE 100; 200 and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively. Serum MDA, blood glucose and pancreas histopatology were analyzed. There is no significant difference among GLE-treated groups compared to control in the level of serum MDA (p=0,286), blood glucose fasting (p=0,051) and random (p=0,626), and pancreas histopathology: area of Langerhans islet (p=0,589) and perimeter of Langerhans islet (p=0,634). We did not found the histological damage in panreas. Interestingly, we found a trend increase in area, perimeter and cell number in Langerhans islet. Our data suggested a potential effect of GLE in increasing the growth of panreatic cells. Further study is necessary to elucidate the regenerative effect of GLE in damage pancreas such as streptozotocin-induced diabetes model.