The Effect of Chayote (Sechium edule) Extract on Malondialdehyde Levels in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus norvegicus) Induced by Atherogenic Feed

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress affect lipid peroxidation and increase malondialdehyde (MDA). Sechium edule contains flavonoids and phenols that have been shown to have antioxidant activity that can reduce MDA levels. To prove this, Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) fed with an experimental atherogenic diet were used as a model. The rats were divided into four groups, one group with an atherogenic diet, and the other three received an atherogenic diet and Sechium edule extract at doses of 20, 40, and 80 (mg/day) for 42 days. The MDA value was calculated using the Thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) method. The results showed that Sechium edule extract with a topical dose of 40 mg/day was effective in reducing maize MDA levels up to 75.3% (p = 0.001).