Articles

The Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Soup on Blood Pressure Changes among Overweight Employees at Nusa Cendana University

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Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and is commonly associated with overweight status. Dietary interventions using functional foods are considered effective non-pharmacological strategies for blood pressure control. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves contain bioactive compounds such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, flavonoids, and antioxidants, which may contribute to blood pressure reduction. However, evidence regarding the effect of Moringa leaf soup on blood pressure among overweight individuals is still limited.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Moringa leaf soup consumption on changes in blood pressure among overweight employees at Nusa Cendana University.

Methods: This pre-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design involving 27 overweight employees selected through purposive sampling. Participants consumed 100 grams of Moringa leaf soup daily for seven days. Blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention using a digital sphygmomanometer. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: A significant reduction in systolic blood pressure was observed after the intervention (p < 0.05). However, no significant change was found in diastolic blood pressure (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Moringa leaf soup consumption for seven days significantly reduced systolic blood pressure but had no significant effect on diastolic blood pressure. This intervention may serve as a complementary dietary approach for blood pressure management in overweight individuals.

The Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Decoction on Random Blood Glucose Levels in Elderly Residents at the Kupang Social Welfare Institution (UPTD) for the Elderly

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Background: Diabetes mellitus is a degenerative disease commonly affecting the elderly as a result of physiological aging and reduced metabolic function. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) contain bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols, which have been reported to possess antihyperglycemic effects.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of moringa leaf decoction on random blood glucose levels among elderly individuals at the UPTD Social Welfare Institution for the Elderly in Kupang.

Methods: This pre-experimental study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design involving 40 elderly participants selected based on inclusion criteria. The intervention consisted of administering 150 mL of moringa leaf decoction, prepared by boiling 0.3 g of moringa leaves in 450 mL of water at 80°C for 6 minutes, once daily in the morning before meals for seven consecutive days. Random blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention using a glucometer. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results: The mean random blood glucose level decreased from 140.2 mg/dL before the intervention to 120.7 mg/dL after the intervention. Statistical analysis showed a significant reduction in blood glucose levels (p = 0.002).

Conclusion: Moringa leaf decoction significantly reduced random blood glucose levels among elderly individuals at the UPTD Social Welfare Institution for the Elderly in Kupang.

Utilization of Nanogold and Nanosilver in Kelor (Moringa Oleifera Lam.) Leaf Extract for Pandemic of Covid-19

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This research has the purpose to determine the characteristics of the synthesis of 20 ppm nanogold using TEM, determine the effect of adding nanogold on the antioxidant activity of Moringa leaves, and determine the best concentration that supports increasing antioxidant activity in Moringa leaves. Nanogold and nanosilver were synthesized using bottom-up methods. The concentrations used for Moringa leaf extract and nanogold were 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 ppm. The concentration of the nanosilver used is 20 ppm. Nanosilver at a concentration of 20 ppm had the best inhibition of antibacterial activity. Testing of antioxidant activity was carried out using the DPPH method which was analyzed with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The results of the TEM nanogold test have a dominant cluster size of 22.17 nm. The best test results for the antioxidant activity of Moringa leaf extract at a concentration of 30 ppm was 60.7258 ppm. The addition of nanogold with a greater concentration of 30 ppm Moringa leaf extract resulted in greater antioxidant activity. The results showed that the best concentration of nanogold as a supporter of antioxidant activity in Moringa leaves was 30 ppm with a percent reduction of 79.288 ppm (very strong category).