| Abstrak/Abstract |
Depression is a psychiatric disorder that affects mood and physical health and contributes significantly to the global burden
of disease. Various molecular mechanisms in the brain are associated with the cause of symptoms and severity of depression.
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in depressive disorders. Many preclinical and clinical studies
provide evidence that BDNF is involved in behavioral phenomena associated with depression. Herbal medicine can be used as an
alternative for the treatment of depression. Previous studies have reported that bitter melon leaves (Momordica charantia Linn) have
antidepressant activity in vivo by observing the behavior of test animals. However, until now, there has been no report on the active
compounds in bitter melon leaves extract responsible for antidepressants and their effects on BDNF levels. Based on this, this study
aims to determine what active compounds are contained in bitter melon leaves extract that is suspected of having antidepressant
activity in vivo tests through changes in the behavior of test animals and tracking their effects on changes in BDNF levels. This
research methodology commences with the analysis of the compound composition of 80% ethanol extract from bitter melon leaves
via LC-HRMS. Subsequently, the antidepressant efficacy of the ethanol extract is evaluated at dosages of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW
in vivo, utilizing the Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress (CUMS) model in mouse subjects. Behavioral outcomes are assessed by
measuring the duration of feeding in the Novelty Suppressed Feeding (NSF) Test, followed by an examination of the effects on BDNF
levels in the hippocampus using an ELISA kit. Research shows that in the 80% ethanol extract of bitter melon leaves through LCHRMS
test,
7
compounds
were
found
that
had
peaked
with
relative
abundance
greater
than
1%,
namely
α,α-Trehalose,
Stearamide,
1-Stearoylglycerol,
2,2’-Methylenebis (4-methyl-6-tert-butylphenol), 16-Hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, Oleamide, and Corchorifatty
acid F. The administration of 80% ethanol extract from bitter melon leaves with doses of 200 and 400 mg/kgBW in vivo enhanced
behavioral improvement by increasing feeding time and elevating BDNF levels in the hippocampus. The study’s results indicate that
bitter melon leaves contain active chemicals that exhibit effective antidepressant properties by inducing behavioral changes and
enhancing BDNF levels in the hippocampus. |
