THE EFFECT OF CONSUMPTION OF BOILED WATER OF KERSEN LEAVES ON BLOOD CHOLESTEROL LEVELS IN THE COMMUNITY WONOSARI DISTRICT BOALEMO REGENCY

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Increasing interest in natural therapies has encouraged the use of medicinal plants such as Muntingia calabura L. (Kersen), whose leaves contain flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and polyphenols with potential lipid-lowering properties. This study aimed to determine the effect of consuming boiled Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) leaf water on blood cholesterol levels among residents of Wonosari District, Boalemo Regency. A quantitative study with a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted involving 39 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Total blood cholesterol levels were measured before and after the intervention using a digital cholesterol meter. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov–Smirnov normality test, homogeneity test, and Paired Samples t-test with a significance level of 0.05. The mean total cholesterol level decreased from 237 mg/dL before the intervention to 188 mg/dL after consuming boiled Kersen leaf water. Most respondents experienced a reduction in cholesterol levels, although one respondent showed an increase, likely associated with uncontrolled dietary intake. Normality and homogeneity assumptions were satisfied (p > 0.05). The Paired Samples t-test demonstrated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest cholesterol levels (p < 0.001). Consumption of boiled Kersen (Muntingia calabura L.) leaf water significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels among residents of Wonosari District. This intervention may serve as a promising complementary non-pharmacological approach for hypercholesterolemia management. Further controlled clinical studies are recommended to confirm its long-term effectiveness and safety.