Sargassum aquifolium Juice Prevents Increased Cholesterol Levels and Histopathological Damages of The Digestive Tract in Rats fed an Atherogenic Diet
Hendri Diego, Muhammad Firdaus

UB = Universitas Brawijaya

Abstract

Sargassum aquifolium is a seaweed that potential as an antihypercholesterolemic functional food. Hypercholesterolemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood which can trigger intestinal inflammation. This study aimed to prevent an increase in cholesterol levels and damage to the digestive tract of rats fed an atherogenic diet. S. aquifolium was obtained from Ekas Bay, West Nusa Tenggara. Rattus novergicus 2 until 3 months old, weighing approximately 150 g as experimental animals. Rats fed an atherogenic diet for 6 months. The phytochemical method was carried out based on the Harborne method. Parameters observed were cholesterol levels and gastrointestinal tract damage. The data were stated as mean and standard deviation. The results showed that S. aquifolium juice contained tannins, saponins, and steroids. Experimental animals fed an atherogenic diet showed an increase in cholesterol levels and damage to the digestive tract. Giving S. aquifolium juice 2 times a day was able to prevent an increase in cholesterol and damage to the digestive tract profile. The conclusion is that S. aquifolium juice contains tannins, saponins and steroids and that giving the juice twice a day can prevent the increase in cholesterol and damage to the digestive tract.

Keywords: Sargassum aquifolium juice, phytochemistry, functional food, hypercholesterolemia, digestive tract profile

Topic: Fisheries Product Technology and Food Safety (International)