The Effect of Lemongrass Extract (Cymbopogon Citratus), Moderate-Intensity Physical Activity, Intermittent Fasting (IF) on Fasting Blood Glucose Levels, Lipid Profile, and MDA in Type 2 Diabetes Rats: Case Study

Abstract

The International Diabetes Federation reported that 537 million adults aged 20-79 years lived with diabetes in 2021, and this number is projected to reach 643 million by 2030 and 784 million by 2045. The Western Pacific region carries the largest burden, with approximately 206 million cases. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and oxidative stress, which encourages the exploration of complementary, non-pharmacological approaches. This study aimed to determine the effects of lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract, moderate-intensity physical activity, and intermittent fasting on fasting blood glucose levels, lipid profiles, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in T2DM rat models. A laboratory quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest group design was conducted using 25 male Wistar rats divided into five groups: negative control, metformin, lemongrass extract, moderate-intensity physical activity (swimming), and intermittent fasting. Fasting blood glucose, lipid profiles, and MDA levels were measured before and after the intervention and analyzed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon test at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Fasting blood glucose levels changed significantly between the measurement points on days 1 and 4 in one group (p ≤ 0.05). No significant changes in lipid profiles were found in any group (p ≥ 0.05). A significant difference in MDA levels between pre- and post-intervention measurements was observed in one group (p ≤ 0.05). The interventions did not significantly alter lipid profiles, while significant changes in fasting blood glucose and MDA were limited to specific groups. Further research is needed.