Effect of Pegagan Leaves (Centella Asiatica) on mRNA Nrf2 in Hemopoietic Stem Cells with H₂O₂ Exposure: In Vitro Study

¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Warmadewa University, Indonesia
² Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, Warmadewa University, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: anatomihistologidepartemen@gmail.com

Abstract

Oxidative stress in metabolic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, poses a significant challenge that necessitates effective therapeutic strategies to mitigate its impact on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Damage caused by oxidative stress leads to premature aging, thereby decreasing the self-renewal and multipotency of HSCs, which can disrupt hematopoietic function. This study aims to assess the effect of Pegagan (Centella Asiatica) leaf extract on the expression of Nrf2 mRNA in HSCs exposed to H2O2 in vitro. A pure experimental design was employed, comprising five treatment groups: a positive control (without H2O2 exposure), a negative control (with H2O2 exposure), and three groups treated with Pegagan extract at concentrations of 15%, 30%, and 60%. The analysis results showed that the mean Nrf2 expression levels in the five groups were 0.038 ± 0.005 (negative control), 0.006 ± 0.0009 (positive control), 0.016 ± 0.004 (group treated with 15% Pegagan extract), 0.033 ± 0.009 (group treated with 30% Pegagan extract), and 0.023 ± 0.004 (group treated with 60% Pegagan extract). The results revealed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the Pegagan extract groups and the negative control group. These findings suggest that Pegagan leaf extract may serve as a therapeutic agent to enhance Nrf2 expression and mitigate oxidative stress in HSCs, potentially aiding in the repair of damage and restoration of hematopoietic function in diseases related to oxidative stress.