The neuroprotective effects of the ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum in benzene-induced rats

The toxic and carcinogenic effects of benzene are caused by several factors such as the duration, mode and level of exposure, and individual susceptibility factors (age, gender, lifestyle, and pre-existing diseases). Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp, known as the bay leaf, is a species of the Myrtaceae family. It is used as traditional medicine by various ethnic groups, especially in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Indonesia. This study aimed to determine the neuroprotective effect of the ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum using 44 rats. These experimental animals were divided into eleven groups, each consisting of 4 rats. The normal group was given only CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose), while negative 1 and 2 were given benzene 100 mg/kg BW every 6 and 3 days intraperitoneally. Furthermore, positive groups 1 and 2 were treated with vitamin c + benzene 100 mg/kgbw every 6 and 3 days, respectively. Group I-6 rats were given the extract at a dose of 400, 600, and 4800 mg/kgbw + benzene 100 mg/kgbw every 3 and 6 days during 21 days of the experiment. On day 22, the rats were injected with 1% ketamine and their blood samples were taken directly from the heart. This was followed by Interferon Gamma and COX-2. The result showed that the ethanolic extract of Syzygium polyanthum can reduce the biomarker of Interferon-gamma and COX-2 in benzene-induced rats.