The effect of tongka langit banana fruit juice (Musa troglodyatarum L.) on fetus low-born weight from mice (Mus musculus) infected Plasmodium berghei

Abstract

The tongka langit banana fruit (Musa troglodyatarum L.) contains caretonoid with the dominant compound is β-carotene which can be converted into vitamin-A. Vitamin-A acts as an immunostimulant in activating and strengthening the work of the body’s immune system. Increasing the body’s immune system can reduce the level of parasitemia. In pregnant women, an increase in parasitemia can cause low birth weight (LBW) in children. It is hoped that the enhancement of the immune system in pregnant women can reduce the level of parasitemia and can prevent the birth of children with low birth weight.The study used a completely randomized design method with five treatments : negative control, positive control, treatment of Tongka Langit banana fruit juice (g / head / day) 0.55, 0.65 and 0.75 with three replications.The observed parameter was birth weight in the fetus which was tested by analysis of variance with p ≤ 0.05. The results of data analysis showed that treatment with tongka Langit banana fruit juice at a dose of 0.65g / head / day was effective in increasing fetal birth weight in mothers with Plasmodium berghei infection.