Sea Urchin (Diadema setosum) Chocolate Snack on Haemoglobin, Body Weight, and Brain Characteristics in Mice (Mus musculus)

ASM Sc. J., 20(2), 2025

Published on December 30, 2025

https://doi.org/10.32802/asmscj.2025.1701

Author: Azahra Aliyyu Denaldo, Ahmad Syauqy, Delianis Pringgenies

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Diadema setosum gonad-based chocolate products on amino acid content, body weight, haemoglobin levels, neuronal cell count, brain weight, and brain volume in Mus musculus. A particular focus was placed on evaluating neurodevelopmental impacts and nutritional benefits. Amino acid composition of the D. setosum gonad product was analysed using high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Male rats were divided into groups receiving 0.5 g, 1.0 g, or 1.5 g/subject/day of gonad chocolate, with or without fish oil, for 70 days. Measurements included body weight, haemoglobin level, brain weight and volume, and neuronal cell count via histological analysis. The gonad product contained high levels of alanine, glutamic acid, and glycine. The highest body weight increase occurred in the negative control group (39.4 g). The highest haemoglobin level was recorded in the P2 group (13.15 g/dL), which received 1.0 g/day of the gonad product. Brain weight peaked in the negative control group (0.485 g), while the highest brain volume was in the P3 group (3.25 mL). The highest neuronal cell count was also observed in P2 (838 cells). ANOVA results showed no significant differences in body weight, haemoglobin, brain weight, or brain volume. However, a substantial increase was found in neuronal cell count (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Administration of 1.0 g/day D. setosum gonad chocolate significantly increased haemoglobin levels and neuronal cell count in rats, suggesting potential neuroprotective and haematological benefits. Further research is warranted to explore its applicability in human nutrition and cognitive health.

Keywords: amino acid, gonad, HPLC, neuron cell, nutrition