The Effect of Soursop Leaf Decoction (Anonna muricata L) on Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a prevalence that continues to rise globally. This condition is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from impairments in insulin production or function, which can lead to long-term complications affecting the cardiovascular system, kidneys, nerves, and other organs. Blood glucose control is generally managed through pharmacological therapy; however, the use of chemical drugs often causes side effects. Therefore, the development of alternative therapies based on natural products has become increasingly important, including the utilization of soursop leaves (Annona muricata L), which are known to contain bioactive compounds with potential antihyperglycemic effects. Objective:This study was designed to evaluate the extent to which administration of soursop leaf decoction can reduce blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus in Desa Sampuabalo. Methods: The study employed a quantitative approach using a pre-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design. Ten respondents were selected using purposive sampling. The intervention consisted of administering 150 mL of soursop leaf decoction twice daily for 14 consecutive days. Blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention using a glucometer. Data were analyzed using a paired t-test. Results: The findings demonstrated an average reduction in blood glucose levels of 35.8 mg/dL with a standard deviation of 11.72. Statistical analysis using the t-test yielded a value of 9.66 with a significance level of p = 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference between blood glucose levels before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Soursop leaf decoction has been shown to be effective in reducing blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes mellitus, suggesting its potential as a safe and complementary alternative therapy.