Developing a modified herbal tea bag for high blood pressure: organoleptic testing and acceptance by hypertension patients in Kulon Progo

Abstract

The study aimed to (1) develop a modification of the scientific herbal medicine preparation for hypertension from dry simplicia into tea bags made from biodegradable corn fiber; (2) identify the organoleptic characteristics of the scientific herbal medicine tea bags for hypertension compared to dry simplicia; and (3) identify the level of acceptance of the scientific herbal medicine tea bags by hypertension patients in the Kulon Progo Regency area. This was research and development with a 4D model (to define, design, develop, and disseminate). The research was conducted at the Pengasih II Community Health Center in Kulon Progo Regency. The research subjects were 55 respondents with hypertension who were selected by purposive sampling according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The product was developed using six medicinal plants formulated by the Indonesian Ministry of Health's scientific herbal medicine, namely turmeric (Curcuma longa), Javanese turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), stonebreaker (Phyllanthus niruri), pegagan (Centella asiatica), celery (Apium graveolens), and cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon stamineus). Organoleptic data were collected through a structured assessment sheet that included color, aroma, and clarity, then analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Organoleptic data were collected using a 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire (13 questions) and analyzed descriptively using SPSS. The research findings indicated that modification of the dosage form into tea bags significantly improved all organoleptic parameters (p < 0.001), with the total score increasing from 7.27 ± 2.23 to 12.67 ± 1.62. The patient acceptance level was in the good category, with an average total score of 53.60 (SD=7.27) out of a maximum score of 65.00. This study concluded that tea bags made from biodegradable corn fiber were worthy of being developed as an alternative form of complementary therapy that is more practical and acceptable to hypertension patients.