Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Marsilea crenata extract modulates SOD1 expression in male rat testes via Nrf2 pathway

Sri Rahayu¹ , Nana Luthfiana¹, Sasangka Prasetyawan², Ivakhul Anzila¹

¹Biology Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia; ²Chemistry Department, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang 65145, East Java, Indonesia.

For correspondence:- Sri Rahayu Email: srahayu@ub.ac.id Tel:+6281333841535

Accepted: 18 December 2022 Published: 30 January 2023

Citation: Rahayu S, Luthfiana N, Prasetyawan S, Anzila I. Marsilea crenata extract modulates SOD1 expression in male rat testes via Nrf2 pathway. Trop J Pharm Res 2023; 22(1):89-97 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v22i1.13

© 2023 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the potential effect of M. crenata ethanol extract as source of antioxidants through SOD1 and Nrf2 expression levels in rat testes.

Methods: Phytochemical analysis of M. crenata was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), while antioxidant activity was determined by 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH radical) assay. This study used 24 male rats (n = 6), divided into 4 groups: control (normal rat without any treatment); PS1, PS2, and PS3 (normal rat which orally received ethanol extract of M. crenata leaves at a dose of 43.2, 86.4, and 129.6 mg/200 g body weight for 30 days, respectively). The expression levels of Nrf2 and SOD1 were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results: Quercetin and genistein were found in ethanol extract of M. crenata leaves with retention times of 8.812 and 22.309 min, respectively. M. crenata leaves extract was categorized as a strong antioxidant (IC₅₀: 33.68 ppm). There was an increase in Nrf2 expression in rat testis in PS1 group. An upregulation of SOD1 expression was found in PS2 group.

Conclusion: M. crenata extract is a rich natural source of antioxidants and phytoestrogen and thus may be useful in the management of testicular dysfunctions. More studies will be required to firmly establish this finding.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Marsilea crenata, Genistein, Nrf2, SOD1, Phytoestrogen, Quercetin