The effect of pumpkin seed flour (Cucurbita moschata Durch) on zinc serum levels in malnourished Wistar rats

Abstract

Objective

This study aims to determine the right dose of zinc in the administration of pumpkin seed flour to increase zinc levels in malnutrition Wistar rats.

Methods

This study was a true experiment, by designing pre and post-controlled group designs. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were malnourished. Each group was given feed in the form of corn every day for 14 days of intervention. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test and ANOVA.

Results

The results showed significant body weight gain for all groups when comparing baseline (p < 0.0001, p = 0.024, p = 0.035, and p = 0.008, respectively, for C, PSF1, PSF2, and PSF3). However, there was no difference in body weight at the end of the intervention for all groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study concludes that pumpkin flour in malnourished Wistar rats increasing body weight and serum zinc levels. Further research is needed on effective doses which significantly increase serum zinc levels.