Transaminase Enzyme Activity and Histopathology Evaluation of Rat’s Liver Induced by DMBA with Temulawak Extract (Curcuma xanthorrhiza)

Abstract

Temulawak rhizome (Curcuma xanthorrhiza) contains curcumin and xanthorrhizol, which may be used as breast cancer drugs and hepatoprotection. This study aims to analyze the activity of alanine and aspartate transaminase enzymes and the histopathological picture of 7,12-Dimethylbenz(α)anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat liver due to the administration of temulawak extract. This study used 28 female white rats, divided into seven treatment groups, a control group (normal and DMBA) and a treatment group induced by temulawak extract orally with doses of 35, 70, 140, 210, and 280 mg/kg Body Weight (BW) during the 11-week study period. The results obtained were that the application of temulawak extract had a significant effect on alanine transaminase (ALT) levels but did not differ between groups. Aspartate transaminase (AST) levels differed at a 35 mg/kg BW dose. Temulawak extract at a dose of 140 mg/kg BW, the De Ritis ratio at normal values. The results of the histopathological analysis showed hepatocyte repair and sinusoidal dilatation were less than optimal at a dose of 140 mg/kg BW. This study concluded that the temulawak extract showed a significant but insignificant difference in the ALT value. The AST value significantly differed in administering temulawak extract at a dose of 35 mg/kg BW. The dose of 140 mg/kg BW controls the value of the De Ritis ratio to the normal value. Temulawak extract is expected to improve the healing of the liver damaged by carcinogenic substances.