Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethanolic extract of sea cucumber Holothuria atra on the digestive organs of Rattus norvegicus rats for 90 days. The experimental rats were divided into six groups, namely, group A (control), group B (dose of 25-mg/kg BW), group C (50-mg/kg BW), group D (100-mg/kg BW), group E (200-mg/kg BW), and group F (400-mg/kg BW). Histopathological studies of the small intestine, pancreas, and stomach were conducted after 90 days. According to the investigation, the extract from H. atra was not harmful to the small intestine, pancreas, or stomach. The feed of H. atra extract at a dose of 50-mg/kg BW increased gastric gland cells, reduced damage to pancreatic acinar cells, increased the height and surface area of villi, and increased the number of small intestinal crypts. Ethanolic extract at this dose also showed an effect on reducing the number of inflammatory cells in the pancreas and small intestinal submucosa and maintaining the surface of the gastric mucosa by reducing lesions. The H. atra ethanolic extract was considered safe for the digestive organs of R. norvegicus rats. Apart from being safe, at the right dose, H. atra extract provides benefits for digestive organs.

Key words: Subchronic toxicity, digestive organs, Rattus novergicus, sea cucumber, Holothuria atra