Antihyperglycemic Activity of 70% Ethanolic Extract of Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) Stems in Alloxan-Induced Male Sprague Dawley Rats

Abstract

Hyperglycemia is a condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels and is closely associated with diabetes mellitus. The long-term use of synthetic antihyperglycemic drugs may cause adverse effects, thereby encouraging the exploration of natural products as alternative therapeutic candidates. Kecombrang (Etlingera elatior) is known to contain secondary metabolites with potential antihyperglycemic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the antihyperglycemic activity of 70% ethanolic extract of kecombrang stems in alloxan-induced male Sprague Dawley rats. The extract was prepared by maceration using 70% ethanol, followed by phytochemical screening. A total of 25 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: a negative control group receiving 0.5% Na-CMC, a positive control group receiving glibenclamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight, and three extract-treated groups receiving kecombrang stem ethanol extract at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight. Hyperglycemia was induced using alloxan, and treatments were administered orally once daily for 21 days. Fasting blood glucose levels were measured after induction and on days 7, 14, and 21 of treatment. The results showed that the extract contained flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids. Administration of kecombrang stem extract reduced fasting blood glucose levels in all extract-treated groups compared with the negative control. On day 21, the extract doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight reduced blood glucose levels to 72.4 ± 10.90, 63.0 ± 6.04, and 65.6 ± 4.83 mg/dL, respectively, while the positive control showed 68.8 ± 2.39 mg/dL. Statistical analysis indicated that all extract-treated groups differed significantly from the negative control but were not significantly different from the positive control. These findings suggest that 70% ethanolic extract of kecombrang stems has potential antihyperglycemic activity in alloxan-induced rats. However, further studies are required to clarify its dose–response relationship, safety profile, and mechanism of action.