The effect of sea cucumber extract (Holothuria atra) on the thickness of dermal and connective tissue fibers in white rat (Rattus norvegicus) skin Pengaruh ekstrak teripang hitam (<i>Holothuria atra</i>) terhadap ketebalan dermis dan serat jaringan ikat pada kulit tikus putih (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>)
Abstract
Skin aging is a biological process characterized by increased covalent cross-linking between collagen units in the dermis, resulting in decreased skin tissue elasticity and structure of skin tissue. Sea cucumbers (Holothuria atra) contain bioactive compounds such as collagen, peptides, and antioxidants that can support skin regeneration and prevent premature aging. Thus, they are potentially used as active ingredients in cosmetics. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the ethanol extract of H. atra on the number of connective tissues fibers and dermis thickness in white rats (Rattus norvegicus). A total of 18 male rats were divided into six groups: untreated control (A) and five treatment groups administered the extract orally for 90 days at doses of 25 (B), 50 (C), 100 (D), 200 (E), and 400 mg/kg body weight (BW) (F). Skin samples were histologically and quantitatively analyzed using ImageJ software to calculate the number of connective tissues fibers and dermal thickness. The results showed a significant increase in the number of connective tissues fibers and dermis thickness in the treatment group compared to the control group. These findings support the potential of H. atra as an anti-aging agent in natural cosmetic formulations.
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Authors
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Nursid, Ernie Halimatushadyah, Endar Marraskuranto, Tiara Silva Khatulistiani, Bitara Ugi, Sri Estuningsih

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