Efek Ekstrak Channa Striata (Ikan Gabus) terhadap Kadar Serotonin yang Dihubungkan dengan Fungsi Kognitif pada Lansia di Puskesmas Kota Matsum Medan Area Kota Medan

Abstract

Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter that has been shown to be involved in various brain functions including cognitive function. With increasing age, the synthesis of serotonin decreases. Low serotonin levels are associated with various health problems such as cognitive impairment, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, stress and depression which are commonly experienced by the elderly. Based on previous research, one way to increase serotonin levels is to use tryptophan amino acid supplementation. Channa striata (snakehead fish) is a food that is rich in essential amino acids including the amino acid tryptophan which is very important for the formation of the nervous system with a higher memory capacity. Even though channa striata (snakehead fish) has high nutritional potential for growth and the nervous system, research on this matter, especially in the elderly, is still very limited. Existing literature is still limited to experimental animals. Therefore, research on the use of Channa striata (snakefish) on serotonin which is associated with cognitive function in the elderly is very important to do. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of channa striata (snakehead fish) extract on serotonin levels and its relationship to cognitive function in the elderly. This research method is quantitative using a quasi-experimental pre post test design with control group with the independent variable channa striata extract (snake fish), and the dependent variable serotonin levels and cognitive function. The sampling method was simple random sampling with a total of 22 samples participating in all examinations (pre and post) where 10 people were given Channa striata extract and 12 people as the control group were given placebo. The research results were analyzed using paired t-test, Wilcoxon and independent t-test. The results of the paired t-test mean serotonin levels before and after (1 month) given Channa striata extract levels showed a significant increase (p=<0.001) with an increase of 101.96 ng/dL while in the control group (placebo) also showed a significant increase (p=<0.001) with an increase of 147.93 ng/dL. The results of the paired t-test mean value of cognitive function before and after (1 month) given Channa striata extract levels showed a non-significant decrease (p = 0.858) with a decrease in value of -0.3 whereas in the control group (placebo) the Wilcoxon test result showed the increase was not significant (p=0.212) with an increase in value of 2.33. The results of the independent t-test showed changes in serotonin levels in the Channa striata group and the control group (placebo) with insignificant values (p = 0.120) and the results of the independent t-test showed changes in cognitive function in the Channa striata group and the control group ( placebo) with insignificant value (p=0.254). Conclusion: There is no relationship between administration of Channa striata extract and increased levels of serotonin and cognitive function. But it is evident from this research that serotonin increases, cognitive function also increases.