@article {2542, title = {The Photoprotective Effect of Cucurbita moschata Seed Extract on Rat Skin Exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {September 2025}, pages = {588-596}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {588}, abstract = {

Photoaging induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is characterized by DNA damage, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix degradation, and collagen loss. This study evaluated the photoprotective effects of topical pumpkin seed (Cucurbita moschata) extract cream against UVB-induced skin damage in Wistar rats. CPD (cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer), MDA (malondialdehyde), MMP-1 (matrix metalloproteinase-1) levels, and collagen density were assessed. UVB exposure significantly increased CPD, MDA, and MMP- 1 levels while reducing collagen density. Treatment with pumpkin seed extract cream, particularly at 10\% concentration, markedly reduced CPD and MDA levels (P <= 0.05), indicating potent DNA repair support and antioxidant activity likely attributable to phenolic and flavonoid compounds. MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased, approaching normal values, suggesting inhibition of collagen degradation through anti-inflammatory and anti-matrix degradation mechanisms. Histological examination revealed higher collagen density and more organized collagen fibers in treated groups compared with negative control and placebo. These findings indicate that Cucurbita moschata seed extract cream exerts strong photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-preserving effects, with the 10\% formulation showing the greatest efficacy.

}, keywords = {collagen density, CPD, Cucurbita moschata, photoaging, UVB radiation}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.73}, author = {Dewi Sartika and Gusbakti Rusip and Linda Chiuman and Ermy Girsang} } @article {2568, title = {Therapeutic Effects of Combined Zinc and α-Tocopherol Administration in a Rat Model of Staphylococcus aureus-Induced Sepsis}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {17}, year = {2025}, month = {December 2025}, pages = {275-283}, type = {Original Article}, chapter = {275}, abstract = {

Sepsis induces systemic inflammation through excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines, leading to oxidative stress, tissue damage, and multiorgan dysfunction. This study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effects of combined zinc and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) supplementation on inflammatory and biochemical parameters in Staphylococcus aureus-induced sepsis in male Wistar rats. Thirty rats were divided into six groups: (1) normal control, (2) Placebo control (sepsis without therapy), (3) positive control (levofloxacin 45 mg/kg BW + zinc 0.9 mg/kg BW + vitamin E 250 mg/kg BW), and (4{\textendash}6) treatment groups receiving combined zinc (0.9, 1.8, and 2.7 mg/kg BW) with vitamin E (250 mg/kg BW). Sepsis was induced intraperitoneally, followed by treatment according to group. On day 9, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, and albumin were analyzed, while lung and kidney, were examined histologically. The combination of zinc and vitamin E significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-6, and CRP levels while improving biochemical parameters and increasing serum albumin compared to the untreated group (p <= 0.05). The highest efficacy was observed with zinc 2.7 mg/kg BW and vitamin E 250 mg/kg BW, which showed over 50\% reduction in tissue damage, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and interstitial hemorrhage in lung tissue, and improved hepatic cellular regeneration. These findings suggest that zinc and vitamin E exert synergistic anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, indicating their potential as adjuvant therapy in sepsis management.

}, keywords = {CRP, Histopathology, IL-6, Oxidative stress, Sepsis, Staphylococcus aureus, TNF-α, Vitamin E, zinc}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2025.17.97}, author = {Olivia Des Vinca Albahana Napitupulu and Gusbakti Rusip and Maya Sari Mutia} } @article {2260, title = {Anxiety Levels, Cortisol, Blood Gluc Ose and Sodium Levels in Working Wives: Comparison Between Husbands Who Were Hospitalized and Husbands Who Were Not Hospitalized}, journal = {Pharmacognosy Journal}, volume = {16}, year = {2024}, month = {April 2024}, pages = {382-387}, type = {Research Article}, chapter = {382}, abstract = {

Background:\ Anxiety affects balance and physiological changes in the body. The research aims to investigate the comparison of anxiety levels, blood cortisol levels, blood glucose levels and blood sodium levels between working wives of husbands who are hospitalized and working wives of husbands who are not hospitalized. Methods: The research design uses statistical group comparison. The research subjects were 40 people divided into 2 groups, namely 20 subjects, working wives, husbands who were hospitalized, 20 subjects, working wives, husbands, who were not hospitalized. Data was collected using the HARS (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) questionnaire instrument, laboratory examination of blood cortisol levels, blood glucose levels and blood sodium levels. Results: Unpaired t test with a significant value of p \< 0.05 if the data is normally distributed or Mann Whitney U Test with a significant value of p \< 0.05 if the data is not normally distributed was carried out to analyze the comparison of anxiety levels, blood cortisol levels, sugar levels blood and blood sodium levels. Data processing with the help of statistical software. The results of the analysis showed that there were differences in anxiety levels (p\<0.05), blood cortisol levels (p\<0.05) and blood glucose levels (p\<0.05) but there were no differences in blood sodium levels (p\>0.05). between working wives whose husbands are hospitalized and working wives whose husbands are not hospitalized. Conclusion: blood cortisol levels and blood sugar levels in working wives of husbands who were hospitalized were higher than working wives of husbands who were not hospitalized and based on statistical tests, significant differences were found in HARS values, blood cortisol levels and blood sugar levels between the group of working wives whose husbands were hospitalized. hospitalized and the wife works, the husband is not hospitalized.

}, keywords = {Anxiety, blood cortisol levels, blood glucose levels, blood sodium levels, HARS, working wife}, doi = {10.5530/pj.2024.16.59}, author = {Rudi Mahruzar and I Nyoman Ehrich Lister and OK Yulizal and Hamzah Shatri and Gusbakti Rusip} }