Effect of Thunbergia Laurifolia Lindl. on Oxidative Stress and Blood Cholinesterase in farm Workers Exposed to Pesticides in the Mae Chai District of Phayao Province

Abstract

Thunbergia laurifolia Lindl. or Rang Chuet is a plant traditionally used in Thailand for the treatment of
toxicity and as an antidote for many poisons. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Rang Chuet
capsules on blood chemistry in 39 agricultural workers (21 males, 18 females) during an intensive 8-week
spraying program. The following tests were performed: serum butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and serum
malondialdehyde (MDA) levels before and after Rang Chuet capsule supplementation. The results indicate
that serum BChE levels were unchanged in male and female workers. However, the levels of serum MDA
in male and female workers decreased significantly at p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively. In this study, the
phylogenetic relationships within the large tropical and subtropical family Thunbergia were studied using
genomic DNA from the fresh leaves of sampled plants. The results showed 99% homology with Thunbergia
coccinea. This study indicates that Rang Chuet presents antioxidant activity and could be promoted as a
health supplement.