Bio-Shielding Potential of Opuntia cochenillifera on Uterine and Placental Integrity Under Electromagnetic Wave Exposure

Desy Armalina; Neni  Susilaningsih; Heri Sutanto; Sunarno Sunarno

doi:10.22146/jtbb.24502

Desy Armalina Department of Anatomy-Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4708-7006
Neni Susilaningsih Department of Anatomy-Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1960-507X
Heri Sutanto Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7119-9633
Sunarno Sunarno Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7100-0628

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/jtbb.24502

Keywords: Cactus, Electromagnetic wave, Placenta, Phone cell, Uterus

Abstract

Continuous exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (EMW) emitted by mobile phones and Wi-Fi may disrupt reproductive tissues, particularly during pregnancy. This study investigated the bio-shielding potential of Opuntia cochenillifera applied externally as an abdominal belt to attenuate uterine and placental damage under EMW exposure. Pregnant Balb/C mice (n = 42) were allocated into six groups: healthy control (HCG), negative control exposed to EMW without protection (NCG), and four cactus-shielded groups (E1–E4; fresh cactus, dried cactus, gel extract, and powder extract). Animals were continuously exposed to EMW (900 MHz and 2.45 GHz; SAR 1.74 W kg^-1) during gestational days 1–19. Uterine and placental tissues were evaluated using histopathological scoring and morphometric measurements. Cactus materials were characterised using XRF and FTIR spectroscopy. The NCG group exhibited the most severe uterine and placental tissue injury, reflected by significantly higher endometrial, myometrial, and placental damage scores compared with HCG (p < 0.001). All cactus-shielded groups demonstrated significantly reduced uterine and placental damage scores and significantly improved labyrinth length compared with NCG (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed among cactus preparations (p > 0.05). External bio-shielding using O. cochenillifera-based belts attenuated EMW-associated uterine and placental histopathological damage in pregnant mice. These findings supported cactus-derived materials as promising eco-friendly shielding candidates for reproductive health protection.

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