Sea Cucumber Extract (Phyllophorus sp.) Reduces Hepatic Malondialdehyde Levels in High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Malondialdehyde (MDA) is a key biomarker of lipid peroxidation and hepatic oxidative damage. Natural compounds such as sea cucumber (Phyllophorus sp.), have gained attention as potential therapeutic candidates. This research aimed to assess the impact of Phyllophorus sp. extract on hepatic MDA levels in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver injury in rats. Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups of 6 rats each: Normal control (KN) (Standard diet), Negative control (K-) (HFD for 28 days), Positive control (K+) [HFD + Simvastatin (1.2 mg/kg) for 7 days], Treatment 1 (KP1) [HFD + Phyllophorus sp. extract (8.5 mg/kg) for 7 days], and Treatment 2 (KP2) [HFD + Phyllophorus sp. extract (17 mg/kg) for 7 days]. After 28 days, hepatic MDA levels were measured, and statistical analyses were performed. Results showed that HFD significantly (p < 0.001) increased hepatic MDA levels with MDA levels of 3134.67, 3336.00, 3046.83, and 3633.17 nmol/g in the KP1, KP2, and K+ groups, respectively compared to the normal control with MDA level of 1429.67 nmol/g. MDA level in Phyllophorus sp. extract treated group at 17 mg/kg (KP2) was significantly lower than that of the positive control (simvastatin). However, no significant differences were founded between positive control and treatment 1 (p = 0.322) or treatment 1 and treatment 2 (p = 0.335). These findings suggest that Phyllophorus sp. extract effectively reduces hepatic oxidative stress in HFD-induced rats, with hepatoprotective effect similar to simvastatin, therefore highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate for HFD-induced liver injury.