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

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