Natural product of gambier (Uncaria gambier Roxb) extracts to counter against hepatotoxicity effects due to monosodium glutamate induction in male mice

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is often added in foods to enhance the flavor. It has adverse effect to body organs. Natural remedies, such as: gambier have been known for generations used to improve health. Substances contained in gambier, i.e.: catechins are believed to reduce the occurrence of hepatotoxicity. The study aims to analyze the effects of gambier in reducing the hepatotoxicity of MSG. This study with a posttest only control group design. Mice amount 25 (5 groups, n = 5/group). All interventions are given orally for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, it carried out euthanasia taken the liver of mice to made histopathology preparations then examine by light microscope, ×400, ×5 view field. Liver damage was found in each group with various levels of histological appearance:(I) 2 normal, 2 minimal, 1 moderate and none severe; (II) none normal, 1 minimal, 3 moderate and 1 severe; (III) 1 normal, 4 minimal, none moderate and severe;, (IV) 2 normal, 3 minimal, none moderate and severe; and (V) 4 normal, 1 minimal, none moderate, and severe. The data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test. The level of liver damage among all groups was significantly different ( p = 0.017). The same on the Dunn test also showed the level of liver damage in Group-II to compare with other groups ( p < 0.05). The present study proves that Gambier ( Uncaria gambier Roxb ) can reduce occurrence of hepatotoxicity caused by MSG.