Cholesterol is a fatty compound produced by various cells in the body. These naturally produced compounds circulate in the blood and have many functions. However, when the level of cholesterol circulating in the blood has exceeding concentrations of normal values, it has the potential to increase the risk of developing degenerative diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus and kidney disease.
One alternative natural ingredient that can be used to reduce and maintain cholesterol levels in the blood is Moringa (Moringa Oleifera). Plants that grow a lot in Indonesia can be used every part. In the hands of five cross-faculty students at Universitas Brawijaya, the plant is made into herbal plant that can lower cholesterol levels in the blood, with the name Morish Tea.
They are Fahrur Rozi from the Faculty of Law, Jefry Andy Agusty from the Faculty of Animal Husbandry PSDKU UB Kediri, Malik Fajar from the Faculty of Agriculture, Nadia Sheren Maulina from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences and Rimul Azilah from the Faculty of Computer Science who utilize the potential of moringa in Sumenep Regency, Madura.
“The five of us are originally from Sumenep who are studying at UB. There, moringa is one of the original commodities of our city which is currently also being loved by many foreign investors. Therefore, we are innovating to make products based on moringa, while at the same time utilizing the stems which usually end up as waste,” said Rozi.
Moringa stems, he said, have high levels of antioxidants. Laboratory testing has also been carried out by a team at the Faculty of Agricultural Technology. “The test results, the antioxidant levels in our moringa stem tea reached 30, which is quite high,” he explained. Each stem of Moringa, he added, contains compounds that are useful as antitumor, antipyretic, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, antipasmodic, diuretic, antihypertensive, lowering cholesterol, antioxidant and antidiabetic.
“Moringa stem extract contains alkaloid compounds, sinins and tannins which produce antioxidants so that they can be used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. The benefits contained in this moringa stem will be compared to green tea which also has many beneficial ingredients in the form of polyphenols which are also antioxidants,” he explained.
Through Morish Tea, these five UB students won a special award and a silver medal in the Seoul International Invention Fair competition. The competition, which was held on 16-19 November 2022, was attended by more than 600 participants from 30 countries.
Furthermore, Rozi and the team plan to develop Morish Tea to be ready for sale. “Because we have also collaborated with Sumenep halal hub and partnered with several entrepreneurs in Sumenep. Currently, we have received a PIRT permit and are in the process of halal certification,” he concluded.
With this product, it is hoped that it can utilize moringa waste and be able to realize SDGs 2030 at point 3, namely a healthy and prosperous life. Also through Morish Tea, Rozi and the team hope that the product will be able to provide a healthy life and help reduce poverty by empowering the community, especially in Sumenep area, Madura. (VQ/ Humas UB/ Trans. Iir)
