Efek Kombinasi Ekstrak Daun Serai (Cymbopogon Citratus) dan Latihan Fisik Terhadap Kadar Profil Lipid pada Tikus Galur Wistar (Rattus Norvegicus) Jantan Model Hiperlipidemia

Abstract

Background: Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, with a high prevalence in Indonesia reaching 69.9%. Non-pharmacological approaches such as physical exercise and herbal therapy are increasingly gaining attention as safe and affordable alternatives. Lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citratus) contains bioactive compounds like citral that have shown potential in improving lipid profile. However, research on the combined effects of physical exercise and lemongrass extract remains limited. Objective: To analyze the effects of combined lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citratus) and physical exercise on lipid profile changes in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with an induce hyperlipidemia model. Methods: This was an experimental study using control group pre-test and post-test design with 30 male Wistar rats divided into five groups: K0 (normal control), K+ (hyperlipidemia), K1 (hyperlipidemia + lemongrass extract 300 mg/kgBB), K2 (hyperlipidemia + physical exercise), and K3 (hyperlipidemia + combination). Hyperlipidemia model was induced by a high fat diet for 56 days, followed by 8 weeks of treatment. Physical exercise consisted of moderate-intensity aerobic interval activity using rat treadmill for 20 minutes/day, 5 times/week. Lipid profile parameters including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, were measured using spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, post-hoc test, and dependent T test Results: The hyperlipidemia model was successfully validated by a significant increases in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and a decreased in HDL (p<0.001). After 8 weeks of treatment, all intervention groups showed significant improvements in lipid profile compared to the K+ group (p<0.001). Specifically, groups K1, K2, and K3 significantly reduced total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, while significantly increasing HDL. However, no statistically significant differences were between the intervention groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The combination of lemongrass extract (Cymbopogon citratus) and physical exercise is effective in improving lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic rat models, though its effectiveness is comparable to that of single treatments. These results support the potential of combining herbal remedies and physical activity as complementary therapies for management hyperlipidemia.