Effect of Turmeric Ethanol Extract (Curcuma Longa Linn.) on Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) and the extent of wound lesions (Experimental Study on Wistar Rats Exposed to UVB Rays)

Abstract

Continuous exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can induce photoaging and accelerate premature skin aging. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a medicinal plant that contains curcumin, an active compound known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its role in accelerating wound healing. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of turmeric ethanol extract on TNF-α levels and wound lesion areas in Wistar rats exposed to UVB radiation. A post-test-only control group design was employed, involving 24 Wistar rats divided into four groups: a healthy control group (K1), a negative control group (K2), and two treatment groups receiving oral turmeric ethanol extract at doses of 100 mg/kg BW (K3) and 200 mg/kg BW (K4) for 14 days, with concurrent UVB exposure. TNF-α levels were assessed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test, while wound lesion areas were analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis test followed by the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed that the highest TNF-α levels were observed in the healthy control group (129.14 ng/L), although no statistically significant differences were found between groups (p = 0.538). In contrast, a significant difference was observed in wound lesion areas (p < 0.001), with the largest lesions occurring in the negative control group. In conclusion, oral administration of turmeric ethanol extract did not significantly affect TNF-α levels but was effective in reducing the area of wound lesions caused by UVB exposure.