Effectiveness of Giving Moringa Oleifera and Folic Acid on Blood Cholesterol Levels in Rattus Novegicus

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is a disorder of lipid metabolism that is characterised by an increase or decrease in the lipid fraction in plasma which is marked by an increase in cholesterol in the blood. This study aims to measure the effectiveness of moringa (Moringa oleifera) and folic acid on blood cholesterol levels in female rats. True Experimental research method using pre and post-test control group design, samples used female rats, aged 8–12 weeks, with a body weight of 150–250 grams, the condition of the rats is not physically deformed which is intervened for 35 days in 5 groups of rats (n = 15), namely the positive group (healthy group), negative group (high-fat feeding), Moringa Oleifera capsule group (MO), Folic Acid group (AF) and Moringa Oleifera and Folic Acid combination group (MO + AF). Total blood cholesterol levels of rats were measured using a hematology analyzer. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Krusskall-Wallis. The results showed a significant decrease in total blood cholesterol levels in the high-fat feeding group (P = 0.037). The decrease in total blood cholesterol levels in the moringa oleifera and folic acid combination treatment (P = 0.009) was significantly more effective, this is due to the content of moringa leaf powder and amino acids which are vitamins and minerals containing amino acids that work in metabolism in controlling blood lipids, preventing plaque formation in arteries, and lowering cholesterol levels. The combination of moringa leaf capsules and amino acids is more effective in improving lipid profile compared to moringa oleifera and folic acid alone.