Jamu Reduce Oxidative Stress from Active Smokers in a Rural Area of Yogyakarta

Abstract

One cigarette contains 4,000 chemicals with nicotine as the main component. Nicotine is an oxidant compound that can cause lipid peroxidation. The product of lipid peroxidation is malondialdehyde. MDA is toxic to cell membranes. Jamu (Indonesian traditional herbal medicine) is one of the endogenous antioxidants made from natural ingredients. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of MDA based on demographic and lifestyle data of female volunteers in Indonesia. Design. Cross-Sectional Study. Methods. A total of 127 female volunteers qualified according to inclusion and exclusion criteria filled the informed consent. Blood plasma samples obtained were analyzed for the MDA profile using a high-performance liquid chromatography technique. Results. The average plasma MDA levels in female volunteers are exposed to cigarette smoke and consume jamu of 5,23 ± 3,57 µmo/L. There was not any significant relationship between MDA levels with the demographic data (age, education, and occupation) and lifestyle (habits of consuming jamu, vegetables, supplements, and doing exercises) (p> 0.05). Conclusion. Demographic and lifestyle data do not have any significant relationship with MDA levels, cigarette smoke exposure, and a habit of drinking jamu.