Daun Kersen sebagai Agen Pelindung Jantung: Studi Histopatologi pada Mencit Hiperglikemia

This study investigates the cardioprotective potential of Muntingia calabura (cherry leaf) extract on hyperglycemic mice, focusing on histopathological changes in cardiac tissue. Chronic hyperglycemia is a well-established contributor to cardiovascular complications, often through oxidative stress and inflammation leading to myocardial damage. In this experiment, male mice were divided into four groups: normal control, hyperglycemic control, and two treatment groups receiving Muntingia calabura leaf extract at doses of 200 mg/kgBW and 400 mg/kgBW, respectively. Hyperglycemia was induced using alloxan monohydrate, and treatments were administered orally for 14 days. Histological analysis of heart tissues using hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed severe degeneration, necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration in the hyperglycemic control group. In contrast, the treated groups showed significant reductions in tissue damage, with the higher dose group (400 mg/kgBW) displaying near-normal myocardial structure. These findings suggest that Muntingia calabura leaf extract possesses cardioprotective effects, potentially due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may serve as a beneficial herbal adjunct in managing cardiovascular risks associated with diabetes mellitus.