The effects of temulawak extract on food intake and weight gain in leprosy patients with anemia

Abstract

This research aimed to investigate the effects of temulawak extract on food intake and body weight (BW) among leprosy patients with anaemia. This randomized control trial study recruited 20 leprosy patients with anaemia in Kediri Leprosy Hospital. Selected research subjects were divided randomly into two groups: 10 patients in control group (CG) got standard medicine and iron tablet while other patients in the treatment group (TG) got standard medicine, iron tablet and 10 mg temulawak extract once/day for one month. Data on food intake and BW were collected using a 24 hours food recall questionnaire and were measured using a weight scale. All data were analyzed using parametric or non-parametric statistical tests with p-value <0.05. The mean food intake in CG increased, but the mean food intake TG decreased after one-month treatment except for carbohydrate intake. A similar BW was observed in both groups during the treatment. The average food intake and BW in CG was not different from the average of food intake and BW in TG. Administration of temulawak extract does not affect food intake and BW in leprosy patients with anemia.