The Effect of Ethanol Extract of Katuk Leaves (Sauropus androgynus) on Red Blood Cell Count (HR), Hemoglobin (Hb), and Hematocrit (Ht) of Rats Exposed to Emission

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 70% of the world's urban population has breathed polluted air from motorcycle emissions. Lead poisoning will have an impact on anemia which is characterized by a decrease in the amount of red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin level (Hb), and hematocrit level (Ht). Katuk leaves contain papaverine which can bind to the red blood cell. The purpose of this research is to see the ability of the ethanol extract of katuk leaves (Sauropus androgynus) to prevent the reduction of RBC, Hb, and Ht. The descriptive, experimental research method that analyzes changes in hematological parameters in experimental rats was conducted 24 days with samples of 30 white rats species of Rattus norvegicus, divided into five groups: control (-), control (+), Treatment 1 (P1, extract 50 mg/kg body weight), Treatment 2 (P2, extract 100 mg/kg body weight), and Treatment 3 (P3, extract 200 mg/kg body weight). All rats used in treatment groups were exposed to motorcycle smoke. The study was carried out for 16 days, and on day-17, all groups were drawn blood through the orbital vein. The results showed the concentration of extract of 200 mg/kg weight has the highest increase in hematological parameters for RBC (8.42 ± 0.67); Hb (14.0 ± 0.48); and Ht (44.6 ± 0.89). Katuk leaf ethanol extract had a significant effect (p <0.05) in increasing RBC, Hb, and Ht. Therefore, the ethanol extract of katuk leaves can be a potential drug candidate for medicine in conditions where lower hematological parameters occur due to exposure to air pollution.