In Vivo Evaluation of Black Mulberry (Morus Nigra L.) and Papua Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica L.)-Based Functional Cereal: Local Food Diversification to Lower Cholesterol
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Abstract
Black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) is rich in micronutrients and secondary metabolites such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which contribute to lipid metabolism regulation and antioxidant activity. Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) or “Pokem”, a traditional cereal name from Papua, provides high carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and protein content. The combination of mulberry and pokem offers a promising natural approach to cholesterol reduction. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a functional cereal based on mulberry and pokem flour for its nutritional composition, organoleptic quality, and hypocholesterolemic potential in mice fed a high-cholesterol diet. Three formulas (F1, F2, F3) with varying mulberry concentrations were compared to negative (Na-CMC) and positive (simvastatin) controls. Proximate analysis confirmed compliance with Indonesian National Standards (SNI), although crude fiber exceeded the threshold. Organoleptic tests indicated preference for darker-colored formulations (F2 and F3). In vivo results revealed significant cholesterol reduction: F1 (53.12%), F2 (73.59%), and F3 (93.16%), comparable to simvastatin (92.33%). These findings suggest that mulberry-pokem cereal, particularly Formula 3, holds strong potential as a hypocholesterolemic functional food candidate. Further studies on active compounds, molecular mechanisms, and long-term toxicity are warranted.
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