Uji Potensi Ekstrak Etanol Daun Pepaya (Carica papaya Linn.) untuk Terapi Gastritis Akut yang Diinduksi Asam Mefenamat

Abstract

Introduction. Mefenamic acid and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause side effects, i.e., acute gastritis. Gastritis is gastric mucosa inflammation. NSAIDs inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, a protective molecule of gastric mucosa, thereby increasing the risk of erosion and inflammation of the gastric wall. Alternative therapies using natural herbs are increasingly being studied. Papaya leaves (Carica papaya Linn.) are one of the promising herbs because they contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may protect and repair the gastric mucosa. Objective. To determine the potential of papaya leaves ethanolic extract in healing acute gastritis induced by mefenamic acid in rat models. Method. This is a posttest-only control group design. The therapeutic effect of papaya leaves ethanolic extract was tested on 30 white male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing 150-200 g induced by mefenamic acid. The rat models were divided into a negative control group (aquadest), a positive control group (4 mg omeprazole/kgBW/day), and a treatment group (500 mg/kgBW/day papaya leaves ethanolic extract). Gastric mucosal integrity was assessed using the Barthel Manja score. Results and Discussion. Mefenamic acid induction causes acute gastritis characterized by hemorrhagic lesions and erosions in the gastric mucosa. Administration of papaya leaves ethanolic extract significantly improved the condition of the gastric mucosa (p<0,05). Conclusion. Papaya leaves ethanolic extract 500 mg/kgBW/day given for 7 days has potential as a therapy for acute gastritis induced by mefenamic acid.