Improving Chronic Energy Deficiency Using the Fruit Flesh and Seeds Consortium of Terap (<I>Artocarpus odoratissimus</I>) in Sprague-Dawley Rats Model

Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) is typically associated with inadequate nutrition and can result in various health issues. CED is common in developing countries, including Indonesia. The consortium of Artocarpus odoratissimus fruit flesh and seeds has the potential to enhance the nutritional value of processed foods. This study aimed to assess the ability of Artocarpus odoratissimus fruit flesh and seeds consortium to improve CED in rat model. Thirty-five (35) male Sprague-Dawley rats with body weight of 120 - 150 g were grouped into seven groups of five rats each. The groups include negative control (KN) (30% feed restriction to induce CED), positive control (KP) (30% feed restriction + maternal supplement), F1 - F5 which were feed restricted rats administered 100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% Artocarpus odoratissimus fruit flesh and seeds, respectively with titrated doses of skimmed milk and dates powder. The treatment lasted for 14 days, after which nutritional status was assessed by measuring various indices of nutritional status, including body mass index (BMI), blood glucose, serum albumin and total protein, abdominal fat weight, and muscle bundle thickness. Results showed that the consortium of Artocarpus odoratissimus fruit flesh and seeds, particularly formulation F4 positively impacted various nutritional indices, including BMI, blood glucose, serum albumin and total protein, abdominal fat, and muscle mass leading to a significant improvement in nutritional status and overall health of CED rats. These findings suggest that Artocarpus odoratissimus is a valuable local food source with great potential in addressing nutritional deficiencies, especially in vulnerable populations.