Indian Journal of Science and Technology

Abstract

Introduction: Silica is a substance utilized as fertilizer. Nano-sized silica particles can turn into free radical, thus inducing oxidative stress which in the long term can induce diabetes mellitus. Mask made from Boston sword fern plant (Nephrolepis exaltata) can prevent blood glucose level elevation due to chronic inhalation of nanosilica. Objectives: To determine the effect of wearing Nephrolepis exaltata mask against blood glucose level of Wistar rats with chronic exposure to nanosilica. Methods: It includes True experimental study with Pretest-Posttest Only Control Group design. The sample was a group of 28 male Wistar rats meeting inclusion and exclusion criterias. Samples were randomly divided into 4 groups, group 1 was exposed to 175mg/L nanosilica fertilizer, group 2 was exposed to 175mg/L nanosilica fertilizer and was given regular mask, group 3 was exposed to 175mg/L nanosilica fertilizer and was given N. exaltata herbal mask, group 4 was given Streptozotocin injection in the dose of 40mg/kg. Exposure was given three times a day for 28 days. Blood glucose level testing was done before and after exposure. Rats were terminated on 29th day. Obtained data as in rats’ blood glucose levels was then analyzed with Annova and Post Hoc test. Results: After statistical analysis, the difference between blood glucose levels before and after exposure differs significantly between group 3 and 4 (p=0,021), insignificantly between group 1 and 2 (p= 1,00), group 1 and 3(p=0,27), group 1 and 4 (p=1,00), group 2 and 3 (p=1,00), group 2 and 4 (p=0,21). Conclusions: Nanosilica inhalation and streptozotocin induction were proved to elevate blood glucose level in Wistar rats; wearing Nephrolepis exaltata herbal mask was proved to prevent blood glucose elevation in Wistar rats with chronic inhalation of nanosilica.

Keywords: Blood Glucose Level, Nanosilica Fertilizer, Nephrolepis exaltata