Potensi Suplementasi Ekstrak Daun Kelor (Moringa oleifera) dalam Meningkatkan Kapasitas Antioksidan Sistemik pada Atlet Dayung

Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Supplementation to Enhance Systemic Antioxidant Capacity in Rowing Athletes

Abstract

Endurance athletes such as rowers are at high risk of experiencing oxidative stress due to increased production of free radicals during intensive training. Moringa oleifera contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids and vitamin C that act as natural antioxidants and may enhance the body’s antioxidant capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera supplementation on total antioxidant status (TAS) in rowing athletes. A pretest posttest control group design was used, involving 12 rowers divided into two groups: the treatment group received Moringa oleifera capsules for 30 days (n = 8), while the placebo group received no active supplement (n = 4). Supplementatiton was administered twice daily (2 capsules per dose) before breakfast and dinner. After the intervention, venous blood was collected from the cubital vein, and serum was analyzed using spectrophotometry at 660 nm to determine TAS levels, expressed in mmol Trolox equivalent per liter. The TAS level in the Moringa oleifera group (0.7801 ± 0.2171 mmol/L) was higher than in the placebo group (0.6085 ± 0.3468 mmol/L). Although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.312), the effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.653) indicated a moderate effect that is biologically relevant and supports the potential benefit of Moringa supplementation. Moringa oleifera supplementation shows potential in enhancing systemic antioxidant capacity in rowing athletes. Further studies with larger sample sizes, and additional oxidative stress biomarkers are needed to strengthen the evidence of its effectiveness.