Protective Effect of Oral Extract of Stevia rebaudiana on Skin Flap Survival in Male Rats

Background and purpose: Due to the properties of Stevia, it seems that this plant can be effective in reducing oxidative damage consequent to ischemia-reperfusion, and increase the survival of skin flap. This research aimed at investigating the effects of oral extract of stevia on apoptosis and skin flap necrosis in rats. In this experimental study, Sprague Dawley rats were orally gavaged 25 mg/kg/daily of stevia leaf extract for one week, before or after the removal of flap. One week after surgery, the amount of flap necrosis, the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in flap tissue, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured. Pre-treatment or post-treatment with stevia leaf extract reduced the necrotic area in the flap compared to the control group. It also reduced the MDA content and increased SOD activity. Pre-treatment with stevia leaf extract was found to have a better protective effect than post-treatment in all variables investigated. Current findings confirmed the survival of the flap with oral administration of stevia leaf extract. The beneficial effects of oral extract of stevia leaf can be clinically examined in reducing ischemic flap necrosis before and after surgery.