Objective: Matoa Leaves Ethanol Extract (Pometia pinnata J. R. Forst and G. Forst) (MLEE) with flavonoid content has been proven to have antioxidant activity that can neutralize free radicals so it can potentially repair damage to pancreatic β-cells that produce the hormone insulin. This study aimed to determine the ability of Matoa Leaves Ethanol Extract (MLEE) to lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels and determine the increase in insulin expression of rats' pancreatic β-cells induced by alloxan 150 mg/KgBW.
Methods: Experimental research was conducted using Complete Randomized Design on 6 groups, including normal group, negative control, positive control (glibenclamide 5 mg/KgBW), and MLEE groups with 50, 100, and 200 mg/KgBW for 14 days. The efficacy of MLEE in insulin release can be assessed by its ability to reduce blood glucose levels and modulate insulin production in pancreatic β-cells. Expression is quantified based on the distribution and intensity of staining observed using the ImmunoHistoChemistry (IHC) method. The Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG) data and IHC scores were subjected to analysis using a one-way ANOVA.
Results: The results indicate that administering a dose of 50 mg/KgBW of MLEE for duration 14 days effectively reduced FBG levels to 143.25 mg/dl (p<0.05) via enhancing the secretion of insulin in pancreatic β-cells (p<0.05).
Conclusion: It was found that MLEE dosages of 50, 100, and 200 mg/KgBW efficiently reduced FBG levels and enhanced insulin expression in pancreatic β-cells in rats.