Nano-based herbal Mahkota Dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa) for pre-eclampsia: A histological study on placental and blood changes

Phaleria macrocarpa, a medicinal plant native to Indonesia, can potentially manage oxidative stress and inflammation—key factors in pre-eclampsia. This study investigates its efficacy as a complementary therapy for pre-eclampsia. Sixty Wistar rats (30 male, 30 females; 120–180 g) were housed at Universitas Sumatera Utara. After a two-week acclimatization, confirmed pregnant female rats were divided into six groups: C- (normal), C+ (pre-eclampsia, untreated), C1 (Nifedipine 10 mg/kg BW), T1 (Mahkota Dewa 180 mg/kg BW), T2 (360 mg/kg BW), and T3 (720 mg/kg BW). Treatment groups received daily injections of Prednisone (1.5 mg/kg BW) and 6 % NaCl for 14 days. Pre-eclampsia was confirmed with blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg. Blood samples were analyzed for superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), VEGF, and sFlt-1. Placental samples were assessed for caspase-3, −8, and −10 expression using immunohistochemistry. The nano-herbal formulation significantly reduced oxidative stress (lower MDA, higher SOD), restored angiogenic balance (lower sFlt-1, higher VEGF), and decreased apoptosis markers (caspase-3, −8, −10). Nano-herbal Mahkota Dewa shows promise as a therapeutic option for pre-eclampsia. It effectively reduces oxidative stress, improves angiogenic balance, and provides protection against placental apoptosis.