Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extracts Supplementation in Preventing Maternal Anemia and

Abstract- The extracts of Moringa oleifera leaf have been proven to have potent anti oxidant activity, prevent oxidative damage, and afford significant protection against oxidative damage. This study aims to assess the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts supplementation in preventing maternal anemia and low-birth-weight (LBW). This was a double blind, randomized control trial study, pretest-posttest controlled which conducted in Gowa District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia, from September 2012 to December 2013. Subjects in this study are 64 pregnant women. The result of the study discovered significant increase of hemoglobin level in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Moringa Oleifera extract consumption increased the hemoglobin level to 58%. In the control group, the conformity of pregnant women has no significant effect to pregnant women hemoglobin level increase. Moringa Oleifera extract is able to retain ferritin serum level dismount up to 50%. LBW was not found in pregnant women who received Moringa oleifera leaf extract. Further research is needed to confirm the exact dose of Moringa oleifera leaf extracts. Index Terms- Moringa oleifera, anemia, pregnant women