A Straightforward Statistical Approach to Evaluating Dragon Fruit Extract Effects on Graafian Follicle Development
Muh Verbarea Tombo *
Study Program of Biology Education, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia.
La Kolaka
Study Program of Biology Education, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia.
Z. Dwi Nurhidayah
Study Program of Biology Education, Halu Oleo University, Kendari, Indonesia.
Nuzul Ficky Nuswantoro
Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, 16911, Indonesia.
Elisa Herawati
Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Sebelas Maret University, Surakarta 57126, Indonesia.
Ulfa Dwiyanti
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Technology and Health, Institut Sains Teknologi dan Kesehatan (ISTEK) ‘Aisyiyah Kendari, Kendari, 93116, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Agus Wedi Pratama
Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Jember, Jember, Indonesia.
Asranudin Asranudin *
Research Center for Applied Microbiology, National Research and Innovation Agency, Cibinong, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus), a widely cultivated tropical fruit in Indonesia, is highly valued for its dense nutritional profile and high concentration of betalains—nitrogenous pigments that function as potent antioxidants.
Aim: This study investigated the physiological impact of H. polyrhizus extract on the maturation of ovarian follicles, specifically focusing on the diameter of Graafian follicle in Female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus).
Methodology: Employing a true experimental design with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), 24 healthy Female Wistar rats (weighing 150–200 g, aged 2–3 months) were selected via simple random sampling and divided into four treatment groups (P0, P1, P2, and P3).
Results: Descriptive analysis revealed a dose-dependent upward trend in follicular size corresponding to increased extract concentrations. Inferential statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed that the administration of dragon fruit extract significantly influenced the expansion of Graafian follicle diameters (p < 0.05). Subsequent Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests demonstrated significant differences in follicular growth across all experimental groups.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that the antioxidant properties of red dragon fruit extract effectively enhance follicular maturation, highlighting its potential as a natural supplement for supporting female reproductive health.
Keywords: Hylocereus polyrhizus extract, graafian follicle diameter, rattus norvegicus, betalains, reproductive health