Ghrelin and Serotonin Expression on Restricted Feed with Curcuma xanthorrhixa Roxb. and Iron Supplementation

Background: Nutritional shortages and acute malnutrition are caused by insufficient protein and calorie consumption. With severe short- and long-term morbidity and death, malnutrition is a serious public health concern. In cachectic situations, the peptide ghrelin level raises making people more hungry. Life protein deficiency changes crucial neurotransmitters, including serotonin, and the brain redox status that underlies neurobehavioral expression. Aim: This study aimed to determine whether the combination of Curcuma xanthorrhixa Roxb. and iron supplementation regulates serotonin and ghrelin expression. Methods: This study employed a true experimental posttest-only control group design. The study subjects were 25 male Wistar rats divided into five groups. Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. Rhizome extract at 80 mg/kg BW/day and elemental iron at 0.054 mg/kg BW/day were administered orally for 14 days after malnutrition induction. The differences between the groups before and after the completion of study interventions were calculated. Results: Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. rhizome extract groups with elemental iron and combinations did not differ significantly in ghrelin levels. (p=0.88, Kruskal-Wallis H test). Serotonin levels did not differ between the groups (p=0.84, Kruskal-Wallis H test). Conclusion: Elemental iron, Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., and the combination treatment did not alter the expression of serotonin or ghrelin. More studies are required on the effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb., elemental iron, and a combination of these factors to reverse the effects of malnutrition. Further research is required to utilize higher macronutrient diets and supplements after malnutrition induction.