Articles

The Effectiveness of Pineapple Juice (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) in Preventing the Formation of Calcium Oxalate Crystals In Vitro

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Background: Kidney stones (urolithiasis), particularly those composed of calcium oxalate (CaOx), remain a global health issue with a high recurrence rate. Non-pharmacological approaches using natural compounds are considered valuable alternatives to invasive treatments. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) contains citric acid and bromelain, which have potential inhibitory effects on CaOx crystallization, although scientific evidence is still limited.

Methods: A true experimental study with a post-test only control group design was conducted using four crystallization parameters (Tmax, SN, SA, and percentage of inhibition) across five groups: negative control, positive control (0.5% potassium citrate), and pineapple juice at concentrations of 25%, 50%, and 100%. Absorbance measurements were performed using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer at two-minute intervals for 60 minutes. Data were analyzed using Shapiro–Wilk, Levene’s Test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Dunn’s Post Hoc tests with a 95% confidence level.

Results: Pineapple juice exhibited strong inhibitory activity against CaOx crystal formation. All treatment concentrations reduced SN by more than 90% and achieved complete aggregation inhibition, along with increased Tmax compared to the negative control. The 25% concentration produced the most optimal inhibition effect, showing substantial SN reduction and a significant rise in Tmax. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed significant differences between groups for SN and Tmax, though pairwise comparison with Dunn’s Post Hoc indicated no significant differences after correction.

Conclusion: Pineapple juice effectively inhibited CaOx crystallization in vitro by delaying nucleation and preventing crystal aggregation, suggesting its potential role as a natural non-pharmacological preventive agent for kidney stone formation.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Juice in Inhibiting Calcium Oxalate Crystal Formation In Vitro

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Background: Nephrolithiasis is a major urological problem worldwide with a high recurrence rate, reaching approximately 50% within the first 5–10 years after the initial episode. Around 70–80% of kidney stones consist predominantly of calcium oxalate (CaOx). The imbalance between urinary promoters (calcium, oxalate) and inhibitors (citrate, magnesium) leads to supersaturation and crystal formation. Citrate functions as a strong natural inhibitor, although conventional medical therapy may involve considerable costs and adverse effects. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are an affordable local commodity containing high levels of citrate and magnesium, and therefore hold potential as a natural antilithiasis agent.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of tomato juice in inhibiting calcium oxalate crystal formation using a synthetic urine model.

Methods: An in vitro experimental study was carried out using a post-test only design with a control group. Samples were divided into five groups with three replications: Negative Control (no treatment), Positive Control (Potassium Citrate 0.5%), and three treatment groups of Tomato Juice at 25%, 50%, and 100% concentrations. Crystal formation was induced using CaCl₂ and Na₂C₂O₄ in synthetic urine. Absorbance was measured using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer (620 nm) at two-minute intervals for 60 minutes. Measured parameters included Slope of Nucleation (SN), Slope of Aggregation (SA), and percentage of inhibition.

Results: Tomato juice demonstrated statistically significant inhibitory activity against CaOx crystallization kinetics (p < 0.05 for SN and SA). The 25% concentration produced the highest inhibition rate (approximately 65%), comparable to the positive control (70%). The 50% and 100% concentrations yielded inhibition values of approximately 38% and 37%, respectively, indicating a dose–response pattern that did not increase proportionally with concentration.

Conclusion: Tomato juice effectively inhibited calcium oxalate crystal formation in vitro, particularly during the aggregation phase. The optimal effect was observed at the 25% concentration, suggesting a non-linear dose–response possibly influenced by the balance between citrate content and endogenous oxalate in tomatoes.

Concentration of Rumen Parameters in Vitro Complete Pellet Feed Contains Different Alternative Energy Source Materials

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This research aims to determine the effect of using alternative energy sources in the form of banana tubers and rejected cassava in complete pellet feed with different levels on VFA, NH3 and pH levels in vitro. The method used in this research is an experimental method using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 4 replications, the treatments in this research are: R0; complete feed pellets 40% banana weevil + 60% concentrate, R1; complete feed pellets 60% banana weevil + 40% concentrate, , R2; pelleted complete feed (40% cassava + 60% concentrate, R3; pelleted complete feed 60% cassava + 40% concentrate. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance. Based on the results of statistical analysis, it showed that the treatment had a significant effect (p<0, 05) on VFA, NH3 and rumen fluid pH levels. The conclusion of this research is that based on the discussion above, it is concluded that the use of different energy source materials in complete pelleted feed is able to increase VFA production and NH3 concentration and rumen fluid pH in vitro to the best level. 40%.