Arina Ilmayani¹, Lilik Maslachah² , Dewa Ketut Meles², Boedi Setiawan³, Rahmi Sugihartuti², Retno Sri Wahjuni², Kuncoro Puguh Santoso²

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of Syzygium cumini (Juwet fruit) on spleen index, hemoglobin levels and mean survival time of mice (Mus musculus) infected with Plasmodium berghei. Methods: A total of 60 mice were divided into 6 treatment groups of 10 mice each, namely N (not infected), K- (infected and untreated), K+ (infected, treated with 25 mg/kg chloroquine), P1 (infected, treated with 200 mg/kg ethyl acetate fraction), P2 (infected, treated with 400 mg/kg ethyl acetate fraction) and P3 (infected, treated with 600 mg/kg ethyl acetate fraction). The mice were each infected with 0.2 mL of 1 x 106 parasitized red blood cells (PRBCs) of P. berghei. Treatment was administered for 9 days after which spleen indices, hemoglobin levels and mean survival time were assessed. Results: The results showed significant difference in spleen index (p < 0.05) between N, K+, and P2. However, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between K-, K+, P1 and P3, as well as P2, K-, P1 and P3. The hemoglobin levels significantly differed (p < 0.05) among N, K- and K+. There was also no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the hemoglobin levels between P1, K+, P2 and P3 as well as P2, K-, P1 and P3. Furthermore, there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the mean survival time between N, K- and P3, but no significant differences (p > 0.05) between K-, P1, P2 and P3, as well as N, K+, P1 and P2. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate fraction of S. cumini fruit neither reduce the spleen index nor increase the mean survival time of mice infected with P. berghei. However, the administration-maintains hemoglobin levels within the normal range of infected mice.