Effects of topical sesame oil on oxidative stress in rats
Chiang, J.Po-Jung.; Hsu, D-Zong.; Tsai, J-Chen.; Sheu, H-Ming.; Liu, M-Yie.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine 11(6): 40-45
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1078-6791 PMID: 16320859 Document Number: 591569
Objective. To assess the effects of topical sesame oil on systemic oxidative stress in rats. Design. Oxidative stress was induced with lipopolysaccharide and assessed by determining serum lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical levels. The levels of 3 circulating antioxidants - superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione - also were determined. Results. Topical sesame oil significantly reduced lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion, and hydroxyl radical levels after lipopolysaccharide administration. However, sesame oil did not affect the 3 circulating antioxidants. Further, sesame oil decreased the activity of xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide-treated rats. Conclusion. Sesame oil given topically might attenuate oxidative stress by inhibiting the production of xanthine oxidase and nitric oxide in rats. Support. This study was supported by a grant from the Department of Health of Taiwan (DOH92-TD-1009) and the Council of Agriculture of Taiwan (94AS-B.2.1-BQ-B4). It was performed at the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan, Taiwan.