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Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy that causes various metabolic syndromes, including insulin resistance in 20-40% of patients. The treatment of the condition is often carried out using metformin, but it has been reported to have different gastrointestinal side effects. Consequently, several studies have recommended the use of propolis as an alternative, which has proven effective in improving insulin resistance in diabetic-induced rats and causes fewer side effects. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of propolis and metformin in treating insulin resistance based on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) value. Materials and Methods: This study used post-test-only randomized control trial design and the sample population comprised 30 Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 5 groups: control (C), PCOS (PCO), PCOS with metformin (PCO+M), PCOS with propolis extract (PCO+P), and PCOS with metformin and propolis extract (PCO+MP). Subsequently, blood sampling, ovarian tissue sampling, and vaginal smearing were performed after 28 days of treatment. Results: PCO+P and PCO+M groups experienced a significant decrease in testosterone concentration and preantral follicle count compared to PCOS group but the anovulation cycle was similar. Fasting blood glucose concentration in PCO+MP group showed a significant decrease compared to others. However, fasting insulin concentration and HOMA-IR value in treatment groups did not show any reduction compared to PCOS group. Conclusion: Based on the results, propolis extract and metformin could not improve insulin resistance based on HOMA-IR value. However, propolis extract had better hypoglycaemic effects compared to metformin. The combination of both treatments had the potential to lower fasting glucose concentration. [ J Adv Biotechnol Exp Ther 2024; 7(2.000): 369-377]

Environmental literacy related to the utilization of medicinal plants in the community provides a foundation for the younger generation to take an active role and form an attitude of care and responsibility for environmental sustainability. The current research aims to introduce the Inquiry-Etnobotany (IEb) learning model to enhance students' environmental literacy. The research design applied a pretest-posttest control group design to assess the effectiveness of the IEb model intervention, comparing it with the inquiry and discovery learning models. Upon analysis, notable differences emerged between the pre-test and post-test results across various learning models. Specifically, the IEb model exhibited a substantial difference, indicating significant progress in student outcomes. Similarly, the inquiry model showcased an improvement, while the discovery learning model displayed a slightly smaller change. Furthermore, the disparities between pre-test and post-test outcomes were evident across the different schools involved in the study. The IEb model has a significant impact on enhancing students' environmental literacy. However, the research results in each school also demonstrate that various learning models enhance students' understanding of environmental issues despite the different levels of effect.