The Effect of Tea-Cinnamon and <i>Melissa officinalis</i> L. Aqueous Extraction, on Neuropsychology Distress, Biochemical and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Glass Production Workers

Abstract

Medicinal plants are considered as natural sources of antioxidant compounds which may protect organisms against oxidative stresses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of Cinnamon and Melissa officinalis L. (Lemon balm) on the improvement of oxidative stress in glass production workers. This clinical study was conducted on 32 glass production workers. They were asked to use 0.5 g of tea-Cinnamon and 3 g of Lemon balm as infusion for 30 days in the morning and evening each day. At the beginning and the end of the study, blood samples were taken from individuals to determine the level of fasting blood suger (FBS), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanintransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein(HDL) levels, lipid peroxidation (LPO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and sillies were measured in workers’ blood. At the end of experiment, data were subjected to the paired t-test analysis. Clinical examination was accomplished to record any abnormal signs or symptoms. After treatment, the high-density lipoprotein and TAC of serum significantly increased while the AST and LPO decreased. There were positive correlations between work history and initiative energy disorder of cognitive test. Probably tea-Cinnamon and Lemon balm possesses marked antioxidant activity and, therefore, it can be used to protect individuals from the oxidative stresses. Using supplementary antioxidants may be helpful in the treatment of workers.