Melinjo seeds extract attenuates mercury chloride exposure-evoked liver damage via modulation oxidative stress marker in rats

The melinjo seed plant (Gnetum gnemon) has been studied for its secondary metabolite compounds, one of which is resveratrol which can increase the expression of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of antioxidants and hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of melinjo seeds in mercury-induced hepatotoxic rats. Extraction of melinjo seeds was carried out using 96% ethanol solvent and maceration method to form a thick extract. The experimental animals used in this study were male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) which were grouped into 6 groups, negative control (no treatment), positive control (induction of mercury solution), and the test group were given mangosteen peel extract at a dose of 100mg/kg BW, 250mg./kgBB, 500mg/kgBB. In the test group, rats were induced using mercury for 7 days, followed by administration of ethanol extract of melinjo seeds for 14 days. Observations were made by taking blood samples from rat hearts and laboratory tests for levels of ALP, GGT, total bilirubin, AST, albumin and MDA. The results of laboratory analysis obtained a p-value of 0.019 for ALP, 0.416 for GGT, 0.005 for total bilirubin, 0.019 for AST, 0.043 for albumin, and 0.009 for MDA. Based on the results of the study it was concluded that there was an effect of giving melinjo seed ethanol extract on ALP, total bilirubin, AST, albumin and MDA levels but there was no significant difference in GGT levels.