EKSPLORASI AKTIVITAS ANTIOSTEOARTRITIS EKSTRAK ETANOL 25% BIJI PINANG (Areca catechu) MELALUI PEMBERIAN ORAL

Abstract

Osteoarthritis is a progressive degenerative joint disease characterized by the gradual deterioration of articular cartilage, accompanied by synovial inflammation and structural alterations in joint tissues. These pathological changes contribute to pain and impaired joint mobility, thereby reducing quality of life. The exploration of natural product-based therapies has gained increasing attention as an alternative approach for managing osteoarthritis. Areca catechu seeds are known to contain various secondary metabolites with potential pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory activity. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-osteoarthritic potential of a 25% ethanolic extract of Areca catechu seeds administered orally in an experimental animal model. Osteoarthritis was induced in male rats through intra-articular injection of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) into the knee joint. The animals were divided into five groups consisting of a negative control group receiving 0.5% Na-CMC, a positive control group treated with meloxicam at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight, and three treatment groups administered the extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight. The results demonstrated that extract administration improved joint condition, as indicated by a reduction in knee joint diameter and attenuation of inflammatory responses based on histological observations. The most pronounced therapeutic effect was observed at the dose of 300 mg/kg body weight. These findings suggest that the 25% ethanolic extract of Areca catechu seeds has promising potential for further development as an anti-osteoarthritic therapeutic candidate.