Sea Grapes Supplementation Can Reduce the Increase of Blood Sugar Levels in Male White Rats Given Toxic Doses of Paracetamol

Abstract

Paracetamol is an analgesic and can also function as antipyretic.  Paraetamol is a drug widely used by the public, without considering its hepatotoxic potential which can affect blood sugar or glucose metabolism. On the other hand, sea grapes are rich in antioxidants. This study was aimed to determine the effect of Caulerpa lentillifera and paracetamol on the blood sugar levels of male white rats (Rattus norvegicus). Adult male white rats  strain Wistar aged 3-4 months with an average weight of 160 g, were used in this study.  A total of  25 head of rats, were divided into five treatment groups. Group I was given the same treatment but replaced with a placebo. Group II-V was given the same paracetamol at a dose of 250 mg/kg/BW/day. Sea grapes treatment on Group III was given 10 g/kg/BW/day, Group IV was given 15 g/kg/BW/day, and Group V was given 20 g/kg/BW/day. Induction materials (sea grapes and paracetamol) were administered orally afterward blood sugar levels were measured on the eleventh day using a glucometer. The results of the One way Analysis of variance test showed that sea grapes had a significant effect on blood sugar levels (P≤0.01). This proves that the antioxidant content in sea grapes actively influences changes in blood sugar levels due to paracetamol induction. Further statistical tests using the Duncan multiple range test indicated there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the different doses of sea grapes given. The presence of flavonoids in sea grapes, which are one of the catechin compounds, can provide the same antioxidant effect that can be achieved at lower doses.