The Effect of Moringa Leaf-Based Innovation on Hemoglobin Levels of Pregnant Women in Penyengat Olak Village, Muaro Jambi Regency

Anemia in pregnancy remains a major global health problem, with the highest prevalence occurring in developing countries, including Indonesia. The prevalence of anemia among pregnant women in Indonesia reached 37.1% in 2023 and rose to 48.9% in 2024. Despite the government’s efforts to provide iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets, compliance among pregnant women is still low due to side effects, highlighting the need for alternative interventions. Moringa leaves (Moringa oleifera) are rich in iron and vitamin C, making them a potential complementary therapy for anemia in pregnancy. This study aimed to analyze the effect of Moringa leaf tea consumption on hemoglobin levels of pregnant women in Penyengat Olak Village, Muaro Jambi Regency. This quantitative study employed a pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. The population consisted of all third-trimester pregnant women in Penyengat Olak Village, with a total of 64 respondents selected through total sampling. The intervention involved consuming Moringa leaf tea (2.5 g dried leaves brewed in 250 ml hot water, twice daily for seven consecutive days). Hemoglobin levels were measured using a digital Hb meter before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with p < 0.05 considered significant. The mean hemoglobin level before the intervention was 10.33 g/dL, increasing to 12.46 g/dL after the intervention. The median hemoglobin level increased from 10.75 g/dL (min–max: 10.0–13.5) to 11.75 g/dL (min–max: 11.1–15.4). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between pretest and posttest hemoglobin levels (p = 0.000). Consumption of Moringa leaf tea significantly increased hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. Moringa leaf tea can serve as a promising complementary non-pharmacological intervention to prevent and manage anemia in pregnancy, supporting government programs to reduce maternal anemia prevalence and improve maternal and fetal health.