The role of a combination of brassica oleracea and centella asiatica extracts on semantic verbal fluency among elderly
DOI: https://doi.org/10.33024/hjk.v20i4.3350
Brassica Oleracea Centella Asiatica Cognitive Elderly Semantic Verbal Fluency
Abstract
Backgroud: Cognitive decline, including impairment in semantic verbal fluency, is a common problem in older adults and can impact quality of life and independence. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) and gotu kola (Centella asiatica) are known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities that potentially support cognitive function.
Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a combination of Brassica oleracea and Centella asiatica extracts on semantic verbal fluency in older adults.
Method: This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test control group design. A total of 36 older adults were divided into an intervention group (n=18) and a control group (n=18). The intervention group received a combination of broccoli and gotu kola extracts in capsule form for 6 weeks, while the control group engaged in routine activities without intervention. Semantic verbal fluency was measured using the Semantic Verbal Fluency instrument before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired-sample t-tests and independent-sample t-tests.
Results: There was an increase in verbal fluency scores in the intervention group, with pre-test scores (8.94 ± 4.62) and post-test scores (11.28 ± 5.33), and the test results showed a significant difference (p < 0.003). Both the intervention group and the control group were able to improve semantic verbal fluency (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The combination of Brassica oleracea and Centella asiatica extracts has the potential to improve semantic verbal fluency in the elderly, although its effectiveness compared to the control group did not show a significant difference. This is likely influenced by the practice effect resulting from instrument repetition, daily environmental stimulation, and the relatively short duration of the intervention.
Keywords: Brassica Oleracea; Centella Asiatica; Cognitive; Elderly; Semantic Verbal Fluency.
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