International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR) ISSN: 2319-7064 SJIF (2019): 7.583 Volume 10 Issue 1, January 2021 www.ijsr.net Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Oral Administration of Tamarillo Seeds (Solanum Betaceum Cav.) Ethanol Extract Inhibited the Decrease of Leydig Cells and Testosterone Levels in Male Wistar Rats (Rattus Novergicus) Exposed to Cigarette Smoke Adinda Sarah 1 , Wimpie. I. Pangkahila 2 , A.A.A.N. Susraini 3 1, 2, 3 Magister Biomedical Science, Concertration in Anti-Aging Medicine, Medical Faculty Udayana University, Indonesia email: doktersarah27[at]gmail.com Abstract: Background and purpose: Exposure to cigarette smoke can induce oxidative stress. The process of smoking causes the accumulation of free radicals in the body and causes damage in three ways, namely lipid peroxidation, cell damage, and DNA damage. Tamarillo seeds (Solanum betaceum Cav.) contain various kinds of active compounds including flavonoids, phenols, tannins, vitamin C, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and others. This study was conducted to examine the effect of ethanol extract of tamarillo seeds on the number of Leydig cells and testosterone levels of male Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Methods: This study was an experimental study with a post-test control group design. The samples of this research were 36 healthy male Wistar rats, 6 months old, and 180-200 grams weight. Adapted for 7 days and then divided into two groups (18 rats per group). The control group was given a placebo (aquadest) 2ml/day and the treatment group was given ethanol extract of tamarillo seeds 80mg/200gBW/day just before being exposed to cigarette smoke 1 hour/day for 21 days. On day 22 the rats were euthanized and blood was drawn through the medial canthus sinus orbitalis dextra to check testosterone levels using the ELISA method and testicular surgery for microscopic preparation and counting the number of Leydig cells. Results: The analysis results of the Leydig cells number showed that the mean in the control group was 17,21±5,14 per one large field of view and the treatment group was 34,46±5,87 per one large field of view (p<0,001). The mean value of testosterone levels in the control group was 10,88±1,34 nmol/ml and the treatment group was 20,24±2,16 nmol/ml (p<0,001). The independent sample t-test showed that the mean number of Leydig cells and the testosterone levels in the treatment group were significantly higher (p<0,001). Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that oral administration of tamarillo seeds (Solanum betaceum Cav.) ethanol extract can inhibited the decrease of Leydig cells and testosterone levels in male Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) exposed to cigarette smoke. Keywords: tamarillo seeds, Leydig cell, testosterone level, cigarette smoke 1. Introduction The aging process does not always mean that organ function decreases with age but this process can be inhibited and re- optimized so that the quality and life expectancy can be better. The newest concept in Anti-Aging Medicine (AAM) states that the aging process can be inhibited, treated, and restored because this process is considered similar to the disease. Hormones decrease not due to increasing age but decreased hormone levels can accelerate the aging process. Aging can be influenced by internal and external factors. Internal factors such as excess free radicals, reduced hormone production, cell death, glycosylation, methylation, decreased immunity, and genetics. Meanwhile, external factors are bad lifestyle, wrong habits, pollution, poverty, and stress. 1 One sign of aging that affects the quality of life is sexual problems caused by decreased organ function related to sexual function. 2 Free radicals are the cause of aging. Cigarette smoke exposure is a substance that can induce oxidative stress. 3-6 Cigarettes contain carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen-oxygen, tar, nicotine, and metals such as lead, nickel, cadmium, chromium, arsenic, and iron. Substances in cigarettes or cigarette smoke contribute to accelerating the aging process. 4,7 Damage in the body due to the accumulation of free radicals through three routes, namely: peroxidation of lipid components results in damage to cell membranes, modification of proteins, and triggers damage to DNA. 8 Diffusion and active transport into Leydig cells resulting in the death of Leydig cells. If there is the death of Leydig cells, the steroidogenesis process, particularly the secretion of the hormone testosterone will be inhibited. 8,9 Tamarillo seeds contains vitamin A, vitamin B₆, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, carbohydrates, fat, protein, fiber, terpenes, steroids, phenols, saponins, and flavonoids. Those components are classified as a natural antioxidant. 10 Research on the ethyl acetate extract of tamarillo seeds conducted by Dewi et al. (2014) shows that the flavonoid compounds were higher in seeds compared to the skin and pulp extracts. Blood plasma MDA levels of Wistar rats decreased by giving ethyl acetate extract of tamarillo seeds at a dose of 200mg/kgBW which is equivalent to vitamin E 100mg/kg BW because it inhibits lipid peroxidation. The complex antioxidant component in tamarillo makes interest for this research, especially the ethanol extract of tamarillo seeds to determine its effectiveness in inhibiting the decrease in the number of Leydig cells and testosterone levels of male Wistar rats exposed to cigarette smoke. Paper ID: SR21115023431 DOI: 10.21275/SR21115023431 804