Moringa Oleifera Leaves Cookies as New Supplementary Food Enhancing Concentration Ability among Adolescents

Background: Moringa oleifera is the plant with high antioxidative, antiinflammatory and neuroprotective effects. The concentration capability is important component of cognitive function development on adolescents. This study aimed to assess M. oleifera leaf cookies for enhancing concentration capability on adolescents. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 53 adolescents aged 13-15 years assigned into 3 groups receiving M. oleifera cookies at dose of 5 g, 10 g and the control group. The administration was during 14 days. Concentration ability was measured by Kraeplin test performed by ULAPSI Sebelas Maret University, physical activity was measured by physical activity questionnaire, anxiety by Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HARS), and food intake by food recall 24-hours. Results: The concentration ability slightly decreased among the control group (P=0.65). The concentration ability among both M. oleifera groups receiving doses of 5 and 10 g increased after 14 days treatment (P=0.001). There was no difference score of concentration ability between M. oleifera cookies at dose of 5 g and 10 g and control in 7th day (P=0.92) and 14th day (P=0.23). Only cookies consumption and age showed association with concentration ability, while BMI, physical activity, and food intake did not reveal any correlation. Conclusion: The administration of M. oleifera cookies at doses of 5 and 10 g during 14 days can improve the concentration ability of male adolescents aged 13-15 years.