Effects of Supplementation with Furikake Ulvamina Made of Algae (Ulva sp.) and Tuna (Thunnini) on Cognitive Function of Malnourished Mice (Rattus norvegicus)

Abstract

Algae (Ulva sp.) and tuna (Thunnini) are edible marine resources rich in protein, essential amino acids, zinc, and iodine that can be used to improve the growth of malnourished children including their cognitive functions. The combination of both resources may produce a supplementation (Furikake Ulvamina) with nutritional quality to support the acceleration of cognitive functions of malnourished children. This study aimed to develop a marine-based product/supplement to accelerate cognitive functions in malnourished mice (Rattus norvegicus). A product called “Furikake Ulvamina” was used in an experimental study of 25 malnourished mice. The Morris Water Maze test was adapted into a “speed time to survive” to test the cognitive functions of each group. One-way Anova tests were performed to statistically analyze the mean differences in the speed of time to survive before and after the intervention. All five groups showed an increase in the speed of time to survive after treatment was given with an average increase of speed of 26.9 seconds. Statistically, there was no significant difference in this cognitive function acceleration indicator between groups (p>0.05). Furthermore, weight and length were also increased after four weeks in all groups. There was no significant difference in cognitive function acceleration in each group of mice after the supplementation of Furikake Ulvamina for four weeks. This product may potentially accelerate growth in malnourished mice. Furikake Ulvamina can also promote the consumption and benefits of Indonesian marine local commodities (algae and tuna).