Efek dari Ekstrak Etanol Vernonia Amygdalina terhadap Kerusakan Nervus Optikus (Gambaran Histopatologi, Densitas Sel Ganglion Retinal dan Rerata Apoptosis) pada Tikus Model Diabetik

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most commonly diagnosed degenerative conditions worldwide, often resulting in significant negative impacts on the optic nerve due to chronic hyperglycemia. Hence, there is a need for additional therapeutic modalities capable of reducing or even preventing the effects of DM on optic nerve damage, such as the African plant Vernonia amygdalina, which is rich in medical benefits like antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aims to determine the effects of ethanol extract of Vernonia amygdalina on parameters related to optic nerve damage in a diabetic rat model. Methods: This experimental animal-based study was conducted on a group of diabetic Wistar rats induced with streptozotocin and nicotinamide, with ethanol extract intervention at doses of 100-300 mg/kg body weight per day for five test groups (7 rats per group). The intervention was carried out for four weeks using Vernonia amygdalina ethanol extract, followed by the evaluation of histopathological characteristics, ganglion cell density, and average apoptosis in the optic nerve. Results: A significant increase in average apoptosis (P<0.05) was observed in the control group (74.33 ± 4.03) compared to the P2 group (200 mg/kg body weight per day; 47.50 ± 5.96) and the P3 group (300 mg/kg body weight per day; 22.00 ± 1.67). This finding was nearly equivalent to the untreated sham group (19.67 ± 3.33). Furthermore, the administration of Vernonia amygdalina extract was only able to maintain normal axons and Schwann cells in the P3 group, with ganglion cell density appearing loosely packed to dense at doses of 100-300 mg/kg body weight per day. Conclusion: The administration of Vernonia amygdalina extract had a positive effect on the optic nerve in diabetic rats, as evidenced by the average apoptosis findings and histopathological evaluation.