The Effect of Bengkuang (Pachyrhizus erosus) Ethanol Extract on The Number of Ovarian Follicles, Amount of Epithelium and Endometrium Stroma Cells in DMPATreated Rattus norvegicus.

DMPA is a type of hormonal contraceptive containing progesterone that causes a hypoestrogenic response that inhibits follicle development, prevents ovulation, and causes endometrial atrophy due to suppression of epithelial and stromal cell proliferation. Natural herbs like bengkuang can be used to reduce the negative effects of DMPA. This study aimed to determine the effect of bengkuang ethanol extract on the number of ovarian follicles, epithelium, and endometrial stroma in DMPA-treated Rattus norvegicus. This study used 25 rats as experimental animals, which were divided into five groups consisting of one negative control group without DMPA and bengkuang extract, and four treatment groups given DMPA every three days repeated four times. After the induction period, the hypoestrogenic condition was evaluated through vaginal smear. Three groups were treated by bengkuang extract. Data were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The results showed that there were significant differences (p< 0.05) in the number of antral follicles, the amount of the epithelium, and the amount of endometrial stroma. This study suggests that bengkuang extract demonstrated a change in the number of ovarian follicles, epithelium, and endometrial stroma compared to the positive control group treated only with DMPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]