Journal of Biochemistry International

Oxidative stress is a principal mechanism underlying the toxicity of environmental pollutants such as aluminium (Al) and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), with co-exposure promoting excessive reactive oxygen species generation, lipid peroxidation, and depletion of antioxidant defences. Syzygium aromaticum (clove), a phenolic-rich medicinal plant with documented antioxidant properties, has not been adequately evaluated against oxidative damage from combined Al and BaP exposure. This study investigated the protective effects of S. aromaticum aqueous extract on oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wistar rats exposed orally for 28 days to Al (100 mg/kg) and BaP (100 mg/kg), individually and in combination. Fifty-four rats were allocated to nine groups (n = 6): normal control, Al-treated, BaP-treated, Al+BaP-treated, Al+BaP with S. aromaticum (1000, 1500, or 2000 mg/kg), S. aromaticum alone, and Al+BaP with ascorbic acid. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Data were analysed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test (p < 0.05). Individual exposure to Al and BaP significantly increased MDA (12.80 and 12.04 nmol/mg protein vs. 3.28 in control, p < 0.001), while combined exposure produced the greatest elevation (13.71 nmol/mg protein, p < 0.001), with corresponding significant reductions in SOD, GPx, and GSH (p < 0.05-0.001); reductions in catalase activity did not reach statistical significance. S. aromaticum attenuated lipid peroxidation and restored antioxidant enzyme activities at all tested doses, with effects statistically comparable to those in the ascorbic acid standard group (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that S. aromaticum may confer protective effects against combined Al- and BaP-induced oxidative stress in this animal model, supporting further investigation of its potential as a natural antioxidant intervention.