Apium graveolens and Eucalyptus globulus Decrease Stress and Protect Folliculogenesis Marker on Woman Reproductive Health during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Stress during the COVID-19 pandemic affects the physiological and immunological response to women's reproductive health. Eucalyptus globulus and Apium graveolens are immunomodulators related to women's reproductive health. This study aimed to investigate E. globulus and A. graveolens towards the expression of Heat Shock Protein-70 (HSP70) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as stress markers, luteinizing hormone (LH), and Growth Differentiation Factor 9 (GDF-9) as folliculogenesis markers. This study was an experimental randomized controlled trial using a pre-posttest control group design. Sixty women of reproductive health age who had stress based on the DASS-21 questionnaire were divided into two groups at area of Nusukan Health Center, Indonesia. The intervention group was given 300 mg A. graveolens capsules orally and E. globulus essential oil for 14 days. The control group was given a placebo. Blood samples and stress levels were evaluated before and after the intervention to determine the effect of the intervention. There was no difference in stress levels in the control and treatment groups at pre-test. The intervention group decreased HSP70, TNF-α, and stress levels (p<0.001). A significantly decreased TNF-α increased LH level (p<0.001). Moreover, LH and GDF-9 levels increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001). In summary, A. graveolens supplementation and E. globulus essential oil decreased stress and protected folliculogenesis markers on women's reproductive health due to stressful conditions during pandemic COVID-19.