Syzygium Cumini Leaves Extract from West Sumatra Indonesia Alleviate Oxidative Stress by Decreasing Malondialdehyde Level and Enhancing Catalase Activity in Rat Induced by Lead Acetate

Introduction: Lead is one of the most dangerous heavy metals in the environment. Contaminated drinking water, battery manufacturing, lead paints, and industrial pollutants are all sources of lead exposure. Lead exposure can cause oxidative stress and is related to many health problems. To prevent oxidative stress caused by lead, the body needs additional antioxidants from the outside body. Syzygium cumini leaf is abundant in antioxidants, which help to minimize oxidative stress caused by lead. Methods: The rats were divided into three groups: negative control, positive control (lead acetate 40 mg/kg BW, 30 days), and treatment (lead acetate 40 mg/kg BW and Syzygium cumini leaves extract 150 mg/kg BW, 30 days). At the end of the experiment, blood was collected and prepared to measure malondialdehyde and catalase activity. Results: The leaf extract of Syzygium cumini reduced serum malondialdehyde levels while increasing catalase activity. Conclusion: Lead exposure induces oxidative stress, which can be reduced by Syzygium cumini’s leaves.