The Effect of Red Betel Leaf (Piper crocatum) Ethanol Extract on the Histopathological Eye Image of Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by elevated blood glucose concentrations. Diabetic retinopathy is a complication that DM sufferers almost always experience. Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to hyperglycaemic conditions for a certain period, which cause physiological changes resulting in endothelial damage. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of red betel leaf extract (Piper crocatum) on the histopathological features of alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). The rats were categorized into five groups: the negative control group, positive control group, and three treatment groups with different dosage; 150, 250 and 350 mg/kgBW, respectively. Eye damage was assessed using Roenigk’s Spoiled Histopathology scoring. The test results showed significant differences between the histopathological image of the groups treated with red betel leaf extract and those induced with alloxan (p<0.05). Eye damage that occurred could be prevented and repaired by the presence of antioxidants (flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids) in red betel leaves. In summary, the administration of red betel leaf extract led to a significant improvement in the histopathology of the eyes in Wistar rats induced with alloxan-induced diabetes.