Potential of Aurelia aurita Extract in Reducing Oxidative Stress in Osteoarthritis

Background: Oxidative stress contributes to osteoarthritis progression, supporting investigation of marine preparations as potential sources of bioactive compounds. Objectives: To characterize an Aurelia aurita preparation from Kenjeran Beach, Surabaya, and evaluate plasma malondialdehyde concentrations in rats with chemically induced osteoarthritis. Methods: A posttest only experimental design included an untreated osteoarthritis control and three groups receiving oral A. aurita preparation at 2.5, 5, or 10 mg/kg body weight for seven days. Five male Wistar rats were included per group. The preparation was characterized using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and a DPPH radical scavenging assay. Results: Fifteen chromatographic entries were identified. Mean plasma malondialdehyde concentrations were 211.1 ± 36.3, 142.0 ± 20.3, 279.7 ± 68.2, and 320.6 ± 14.53 nmol/L for the control, 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg groups, respectively. ANOVA showed significant between group differences (F(3,16)=18.71; p<0.001), supported by Welch analysis. The 2.5 mg/kg group was 69.1 nmol/L lower than control, whereas higher doses showed increased concentrations. Conclusions: The lowest tested dose warrants further investigation. Dose optimization, chemical standardization, and safety evaluation are required before clinical translation.