Introduction: Approximately (24.8%) the world’s population suffers from anemia and 50% of an anemic case is due to iron deficiency. This study investigated the efficacy of Moringa oleifera L leaves to extract as an iron booster and supplement to help overcome anemia in the community. Methods: It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in anemic women (hemoglobin 8-12g/dL), in which the water extract of moringa leaves was examined as an add-on therapy in the subject treated with ferrous sulfate (200mg/ tablet). Thirty-five women subject of 16-49 years old were divided into 17 of moringa leaves and 18 of control. The extract of moringa leaves of 1400 mg was formulated in capsules and was administrated daily for 3 weeks. Results: The result showed there were significantly increase of mean of hemoglobin (0.794±0.81 g/dL), ferritin (29.378±42.48 ng/mL), MCHC (Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration) (2.459±2.86 g/dL), RDW (Red Distribution Wide) (1.4±2.07 %) and decreased of platelets (36529.41±59024.48 /uL). The control groups were significantly increased of mean of the hemoglobin (0.644± 0.83g/dL), erythrocytes (0.475±0.523 Tpt/L), hematocrit (2.189±l4.08 %), MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume)( 4.756±8.91 fL), MCH (2.183±2.47 pg) dan RDW (2.844±2.80%).The hematocrit (3.14±1.47%), MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin) (3.495±1.33 pg), MCHC (3.264±0.96 g/dL) values of moringa leaves were significantly higher whereas the platelets count (55251.63±23404/uL) of moringa leaves were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of control group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that moringa leaves extract could improve iron deficiency anemia in women.
Key words: Anemia, Ferrous sulfate, Ferritin, Hematology, Moringa oleifera.