Preventive and protective effects of wild basil in ethanol-induced liver toxicity in rats
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Date
2007Author
Chaturvedi, P.
George, S.
John, A.
Publisher
British Journal of Biomedical Science. http://www.ibms.org/index.cfm?method=publications.british_journalType
Published ArticleMetadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In the present study, preventive and protective effects of
Ocimum gratissimum in ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity are
assessed in albino rats. A methanol extract of O. gratissimum
leaves is prepared, with a yield of 3.5% (w/w) of the dry
weight of leaves. Graded doses of the extract (10, 20, 40 and
80 mg/kg body weight), together with ethanol (5 gm/kg
body weight) are administered orally to experimental
groups for 30 days. Normal control rats receive distilled
water only, while rats in an alcohol control group (AC)
receive ethanol only for 30 days. O. gratissimum reduced the
level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in all
experimental groups (E1â E4). Alanine transaminase and
aspartate transaminase levels fell in all experimental groups
(E1â E4), but this reduction was significant only in groups E3
and E4 (P<0.05), indicating inhibition of lipid peroxidation
by free radicals generated after ethanol metabolism. Levels
of antioxidants also increased. Ascorbic acid and glutathione
levels increased in all experimental groups (E1â E4; P<0.05
and P<0.01, respectively). A significant increase in catalase
(P<0.05) was noted only in group E4, although an upward
trend was noted in all experimental groups. This study
shows that O. gratissimum prevents free radical damage to
the liver and thus protects the organ from oxidative stress.