Modulatory Effects of Ethanol-derived Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) Extract on Hepatic Malondialdehyde Concentrations and Steatosis in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Subjected to a High-fat, High-fructose Diet

Abstract

Aims: This study evaluated the effects of flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) ethanol extract on malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and fatty liver scores in male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) induced with such a diet. Study Design:  This was a randomized post-test only control group design. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted over seven months at Integrated Biomedical Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Udayana, Denpasar. Methodology: Male wistar rat (Rattus novergicus) age 2-3 months with body weight 180-220 grams were used as subjects. Twenty-five rats were divided into five groups: normal control (K), high-fat, high-fructose control (K1), and three treatment groups (P1, P2, P3) receiving flaxseed extract at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kgBW, respectively, for 35 days. MDA levels (nmol/ml) and fatty liver scores (%) were assessed to evaluate oxidative stress and hepatic steatosis. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn post hoc test due to non-normal distribution. Results: Group K1 showed the highest mean MDA level (3.53 nmol/ml), while treatment groups P1, P2, and P3 showed reductions to 2.40, 2.09, and 1.16 nmol/ml, respectively. Similarly, fatty liver scores decreased from 66.60% in K1 to 53.33% (P1), 41.44% (P2), and 19.78% (P3). However, the MDA and fatty liver scores difference between treatment and control group were not significant (p>0,05). Conclusion: Flaxseed extract administration tended to lower oxidative stress and hepatic fat accumulation in rats fed a high-fat, high-fructose diet, though the effects were not statistically significant. Further studies are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential.