Hepatoprotective activity of Ocimum sanctum alcoholic leaf extract against paracetamol-induced liver damage in Albino rats

Abstract

Background:There is a lack of reliable hepatoprotective drugs in modern medicine to prevent and treat drug-induced liver damage. Leaves of Sacred/Holy Basil, i.e. Green Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), belonging to family Lamiaceae are used traditionally for their hepatoprotective effect. We wanted to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Ocimum sanctum and observe whether synergistic hepatoprotection exists with silymarin.Materials and Methods:Albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into five groups. Groups A and B were normal and experimental controls, respectively. Groups C, D and E received the alcoholic extract of Ocimum Sanctum leaves (OSE) 200 mg/kg BW/day, silymarin 100 mg/kg BW/day and OSE 100 mg/kg BW/day + silymarin 50 mg/kg BW/day p.o., respectively, for 10 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in Groups B, C, D and E on the eighth day with paracetamol 2 g/kg BW/day. The hepatoprotective effect was evaluated by performing an assay of the serum proteins, albumin globulin ratio, alkaline phosphatase, transaminases and liver histopathology. The assay results were presented as mean and standard error of mean (SEM) for each group. The study group was compared with the control group by one-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferoni's test. A P-value of <0.01 was considered significant.Results:In groups C, D and E, liver enzymes and albumin globulin ratio were significantly (P < 0.01) closer to normal than in group B. Reduction in sinusoidal congestion, cloudy swelling and fatty changes and regenerative areas of the liver were observed on histopathological examination in groups C, D and E, whereas group B showed only hepatic necrosis.Conclusion:The Ocimum sanctum alcoholic leaf extract shows significant hepatoprotective activity and synergism with silymarin.

Untitled

“…The OS alcoholic leaf extract shows significant hepatoprotective activity [68] and synergism with silymarin. In liver, EO and extracts of OS could prevent oxidative stress by increasing glutathione peroxidae and catalase and were also effective in prevention of hepatic steatosis.…”

“…In liver, EO and extracts of OS could prevent oxidative stress by increasing glutathione peroxidae and catalase and were also effective in prevention of hepatic steatosis. [9,68] Its major biochemically active constituents such as eugenol, carvacrol, ursolic acid (UA), β-caryophyllene and rosmarinic acid showed anti-inflammatory, gastric and hepatoprotective properties. [25] OS L. The oil possesses anti-inflammatory activity due to dual inhibition of arachidonate metabolism supplemented by antihistaminic activity.…”

Evaluation of hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extract of Clitoria ternatea (Linn.) flower against acetaminophen-induced liver damage

“…Despite remarkable advances in modern medicine, hepatic disease remains a worldwide health problem; thus the search for new medicines is still ongoing [7] . Plant and natural products have been used in traditional remedies worldwide for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases and much scientific research is needed to support such claims [8] . However, to the best of our knowledge, the hepatoprotective effect of C. ternatea flower, against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice has not been demonstrated.…”

Pharmacological Evaluation of Ocimum sanctum

“…Biometry Research Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203 revealed that cold water extract of Tulsi plant produced hepatotonic effect against Paracetamol and Carbon tetrachloride when albino rats fed orally for 6 days with Tulsi extract [53]. When Tulsi extract is used as adjunct with silymarin it show significant hepatoprotective effect [54].…”