Betel nut (Areca catechu L.) extract toxicity on the kidney and liver of white rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

Background: Medication using herbal medicine is one of the alternatives chosen to reduce the adverse effects caused by synthetic drugs. Betel nut (Areca catechu L) usually used as an alternative drug such as anthelmintic and others. Aim: The study aims to determine the chronic toxicity effect of betel nut. Method: Five hundred grams of simplicial powder was macerated using 95% ethanol in a container, then sealed and let them for three days. They were protected from light while repeatedly stirred. Rat was given Betel nut extract for three weeks. The histopathological examination was observed under the microscope. Result: The mean GOT serum, GPT serum, BUN, and creatinine serum levels between control (no extract given) and each dose, i.e., 0.2 ccs, 0.4 ccs, and 0.8 ccs, showed insignificant results (p > 0.05). According to the histopathological observation, there was no difference between control and treatment. Conclusion: Various orally doses of betel nut extract did not cause toxicity in white rats (rattus novergicus).