Phytochemicals and anti-hemorrhoidal activities of Tapak Liman (Elephantopus Scaber) leaves

Hemorrhoids occur due to inflammation of the rectoanal venous plexus, which causes inflammation, pain, and can cause lumps. This inflammation may cause difficulty in defecation and may even cause heavy bleeding. Empirically, Tapak Liman (Elephantopus scaber L.) leaves have been used to treat hemorrhoids and have been known to contain flavonoids and terpenoid lactones which are active as anti-inflammatory agents. To determine the anti-hemorrhoidal activity of E. scaber leaves in reducing inflammation in hemorrhoids in Wistar rats, the research begins with the extraction of E. scaber leaves with 70% ethanol as solvent. Extracts were analyzed for total flavonoid content with quercetin standard. Anti-hemorrhoidal activity was measured based on the degree of edema formed based on the weight of the rectum through the surgical process. Hemorrhoid was induced with croton oil for 3 days on the rectoanal area in rats. The extracts were treated at concentration of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kgW for 7 days. The drug control group used oral diclofenac sodium for 7 days. E. scaber leaf ethanol extract contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols. The flavonoid level was 3.433 mgQE/g extract. This study showed that E. scaber leaf extract had the best anti-hemorrhoidal activity at a dose of 100 mg/kgW of extract with a significance value of p<0.05. Also, the extract of E. scaber leaves containing flavonoids provides a fairly good anti-hemorrhoid activity compared to the control drug diclofenac sodium. It is suggested that this plant extract might be used as a new herbal anti-hemorrhoid drug.