The Potentiality of Moringa Oleifera to Increase Human Performance

Abstract

Ergogenic aids are the administration of certain substances, blood doping, genetic engineering, modification of exercise equipment, and the provision of natural materials such as plants to increase performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves combined with aerobic exercise on VO₂ Max, Lactate Threshold, and muscle endurance. This study used an experimental methodology with a randomized pre-test and post-test comparison group design. Sixteen taekwondo athletes participated as samples in this study. The samples were split into two groups: the experimental group that received treatment including both aerobic exercise and the consumption of Moringa oleifera leaves, and the control group that received only aerobic exercise. This study consisted of four days of aerobic exercise each week for six weeks. The aerobic activity prescribed was a 30-minute session of vigorous running every day while Moringa oleifera leaves were consumed. Our current results showed that the consumption of leaf extract of Moringa oleifera increased VO₂ max versus control. In addition, Moringa oleifera increased lactate threshold shown at heart rate on turn point which increased from 173.5±1.77 on the pre-test to 176.625±1.51 beats/ minute on post-test. This result indicated that Moringa oleifera increases VO₂ max and Lactate threshold. Furthermore, our current results showed that the gain of the Moringa oleifera group was higher than the control in the push-up test, sit-up test, and wall sit test, respectively. This result indicated Moringa oleifera's ability to increase muscle endurance capacity. This current study indicated that Moringa oleifera leaves have the potential to increase human performance through their ability to increase VO₂ max, lactate threshold, and muscle endurance capacity.