PROJECT TOPIC ON THE BIOCHEMICAL EFFECTS OF CURCUMA ZEOARIA LEAF EXTRACT ON NON-LIVER ENZYME BIOMARKERS IN MALE WISTAR RAT

BSTRACT Cucuma zedoaria (white turmeric) is a rhizomatous herb known for its traditional medicinal applications. In this study, we sought to explore the biochemical impact of Cucuma zedoaria leaf extract on non-liver enzyme biomarkers in male Wistar rats. Sixteen adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group receiving normal saline and three experimental groups treated with varying doses of Cucuma zedoaria leaf extract (low, moderate(500mg/kg) and high dose (1000mg/kg).The leaf extract was orally administered to the rats daily for four weeks. Upon completion of the treatment period, blood samples were collected from all animals, and serum was separated for biochemical analysis. Enzyme biomarkers related to kidney and heart functions, including creatinine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), were assessed using standard enzymatic assays. Our results revealed that the administration of low and moderate doses of Cucuma zedoaria leaf extract did not induce significant changes in CK, LDH, and ALP levels compared to the control group, indicating the absence of adverse effects on kidney and heart function at these dosages. However, the high dose group exhibited a noteworthy increase in CK and LDH levels (p < 0.05) compared to the control group, suggesting potential detrimental effects on cardiac and muscle tissues at higher concentrations of the extract. Based on these findings, Cucuma zedoaria leaf extract appears to be safe at low and moderate doses regarding non-liver enzyme biomarkers in male Wistar rats. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when administering the extract at higher doses due to the observed elevation of CK and LDH levels, which may have implications for cardiovascular and muscular health. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for these effects and to establish appropriate dosage guidelines for the safe utilization of Cucuma zedoaria leaf extract in therapeutic contexts.