Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Lipid Peroxidation in Liver of Wistar Rats Exposed to Arabian Incense

摘要

Incense is an oleoresin that oozes from incisions in the trunks and leaves of trees of the genus Boswellia (B. carterii and B. papyrifera, native of Arabia, Africa and India). Incense composed with aromatic plant substances which is available in numerous forms, such as stick, cone and coil. In Arabian cultures the incense is brunt traditionally for several domestic purposes. The aim of this study was to investigate the indoor air pollution effects of Arabian incense smoke in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in liver of male Wistar rats. Sixteen Wistar rats were exposed daily to incense smoke over a period of 15 weeks (4 grams daily). There was significant decrease in the levels of liver alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Incense smoke also decreased levels of GSH and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) by 34.6%, 29%, 17.1%, and 17.4%, respectively. However, incense smoke increased lipid peroxidation by 61%. In conclusion, our findings strongly showed hepatotoxic potential causes of incense smoke and its harmful effects on health.