Effect of Annona muricata Leaf Extract on Hepatic Histopathology and Hepatocyte Index in a Diabetic Rattus norvegicus Model

Abstract

Background: The oxidative stress caused by diabetes mellitus (DM) damages hepatocytes and reduces liver function. In this context, flavonoids and acetogenins found in soursop (Annona muricata L.) leaf have hepatoprotective and antioxidant qualities. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of Annona muricata leaf extract on hepatocyte index and hepatic histopathology in diabetic Wistar rats.Methods: In a laboratory experiment, 16 male Wistar rats weighing 100–150 g and aged 2-3 months were given a high-fat diet and an injection of streptozotocin (27.5 mg/kg BW) to induce type 2 diabetes. Rats were placed in a randomized posttest-only control group. For 21 days, these experimental animals were split into two groups at random, namely control (n = 8) receiving aquadest, and treatment group (n = 8) receiving Annona muricata leaf extract at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to analyze hepatic histopathology, and a quantitative evaluation of hepatocyte index was conducted. The independent t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were adopted to assess the data. Results: There was a significant difference (p=0.041) in hepatocyte index between treatment and control groups. Treatment group had less hepatocyte deterioration than the control, according to histopathological scoring (p=0.037).Conclusion: Diabetic Wistar rats treated with Annona muricata leaf extract showed better hepatocyte index and decreased hepatic degeneration, suggesting hepatoprotective potential