N.I. Wiratmini, N.M. Suartini, I.G.A. Widianti, A.A.I.M. Padmisuari, N.W.S. Antari and A.M. Deshmukh
Abstract
The secondary metabolite content of plant species is determined by the nutrient composition of the soil, climate, plant development stage, storage and handling methods. Several studies have been conducted to utilize secondary metabolites extracted from plants to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetes mellitus patients. The absence of treatment for diabetes mellitus can result in various disorders of body functions, including the reproductive system. This is because diabetes mellitus triggers oxidative stress in the reproductive organs. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of Ruellia tuberosa L. leaf extract on the gonads of alloxan-induced diabetic male rats. This study used a completely randomized design with a sample size of thirty male rats. The animals were assigned into five experimental groups (six repetitions each): negative control/K-(NaCl 0.9% only), positive control/K+ (120 mg/kg bw of alloxan and NaCl 0.9%), T1 (120 mg/kg bw of alloxan and 1.6 mg/kg bw of RLE), T2 (120 mg/kg bw of alloxan and 3.2 mg/kg bw of RLE), and T3 (120 mg/kg bw of alloxan and 6.4 mg/kg bw of RLE). Treatment was administered orally every day for 28 days. In conclusion, the administration of Ruellia tuberosa L. leaf extract for 28 days to alloxan-induced diabetic rats was able to reduce blood glucose levels, increase the weight of testes, epididymis, sperm count, and reduce the number of sperm abnormalities.