Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic diseases and cigarette
smoking is known to be one of the major sources of oxidants. In this study, we
investigated whether Korean black raspberry (BR) supplementation could reduce smokeinduced
oxidative stress in healthy male smokers. Thirty nine healthy male smokers received
either 30 g of freeze-dried BR or placebo for four weeks. Anthropometric and dietary data,
smoking history, blood lipid profiles, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, and antioxidant enzyme
activities were assessed at baseline and after supplementation. There was no difference of
age, smoking history, anthropometry, and nutrient intake between groups. BR supplementation
had no effect on plasma lipid profiles, LDL oxidation, and DNA damage. However, it
significantly increased the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, glutathione peroxidase and
catalase, and reduced plasma lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, BR supplementation may
decrease cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress through increase of endogenous antioxidant
enzyme activities.