Characteristics of Ethanol Extract of Detam 1 Indonesian Soybean and Jati Belanda Leaves and the Effects of their Combinations on Weight Gain and Jejunum Histopathological Changes in Male Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: Anti-Nutritional-Factors (ANF) are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients. ANF may cause changes in the histopathology of the small intestinal mucosa, and may affect the digestive, secretory and absorptive functions of the small intestine. Soybean and Jati Belanda leaves which can promote weight loss, may contain ANF. In this study, soybean seeds variety Detam 1 and Jati Belanda leaves were used to assess their potential effects on weight gains and jejunum functions. Research Objective: To study the effects of ethanol extracts of Detam 1 raw soybean (EEDS) and Jati Belanda (EEJB) Bumi Herbal Dago variety and their combinations on weight gain and jejunum histopathological changes in male Wistar rats. Research Methods: Phytochemical analyses of EEDS and EEJB ethanol extracts were performed, then assayed for the above mentioned activities after administered to high-fat induced male Wistar rats for 28 days. Weight gain was determined and histopathological examination of jejunum was achieved after fixation and staining with Hematoxylin Eosin. Results: The combinations of EEDS:EEJB (2:1 and 1:2 w/w) reduced the weight gain with the effect being more pronounced (5.95%)  for the combination 1:2 (w/w). Such effect may be attributed to ANFs contained in EEDS and EEJB such as tannin, saponin, flavonoids and phenolics. The histopathologic examination of the positive control group was not different from all treatment groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: The combination EEDS:EEJB (1:2 w/w) is effective in inhibiting weight gain without remarkable histopathological changes in male Wistar rat jejunum.