Effectiveness of Pumpkin Extract (Cucurbita moschata) Lowering Blood Glucose and Malondialdehyde Levels in Diabetic Model Rats

Abstract

Hyperglycemia in uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause oxidative stress, among others, characterized by high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA). This situation continues to cause various complications. Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) is known to contain various antioxidants that can reduce blood glucose levels and oxidative stress levels in DM. This study aims to prove the effectiveness of pumpkin in the form of an extract to reduce fasting blood glucose (FBG)and MDA levels in DM rats.The study used 36 male Wistar rats which were divided into 6 groups, namely:KN:normal group;K(-):DM group;K(+):DM group was given glibenclamide 0.45 mg/kgBW/day;P1,P2,P3:DM group which was given the extract with a successive dose of 0.66mg/kgBW/day,1.32mg/200gBW/day, and 2.64mg/200gBW/day. The extract was administered for 21 consecutive days. The DM model was made by induction of streptozotocin (STZ) and nicotinamide (NA). FBG and MDA levels were measured serially 5 times and analyzed statistically. The results showed that the higher the dose of the extract and the longer the administration of the extract, the more effective the extract's ability to reduce blood FBG and MDA levels. Compared to glibenclamide, pumpkin extract was no less effective in reducing blood FBG and MDA levels. It was concluded that pumpkin extract was effective in lowering blood glucose and MDA levels in DM rats.