Note Polyphenols of Ocimum sanctum from Suriname

Apigenin, luteolin, apigenin-7- O -ß-D-rutinopyranoside, luteolin-7- O -ß-D-glucopyranoside, vicenin-2, vitexin, isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, aesculetin, aesculin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid have been isolated from the aerial parts of O. sanctum L.     

Role of Ocimum sanctum as a Genoprotective Agent on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Genotoxicity

Protective effect of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated on chlorpyrifos-induced genotoxicity in in vivo and in vitro models. Two different concentrations of pesticide were taken, i.e., 1/5 and 1/15 of LD(50) of chlorpyrifos for the in vivo study. Rats were pre-treated orally with O. sanctum extract (OE) at 50 mg/kg b.wt. For the in vitro studies, human lymphocyte cultures were exposed to 75 μg/ml chlorpyrifos with and without OE. Structural and numerical (both aneuploidy and euploidy types) chromosomal aberrations (CAs) were scored for the assessment of induced genotoxic effects, while the variation in mitotic index (MI) was considered as a monitor for induced cellular toxicity. The same concentration of the pesticide (75 μg/ml) was taken to study the DNA damage by comet assay. Results showed that lymphocytes treated with the pesticide exhibited increased DNA damage but the increase was statistically insignificant (P>0.05). In rats pretreated with OE, a significant (P<0.01) increase in MI was observed and there was a significant decrease in the frequency of aberrant cells as compared to the rats treated with chlorpyrifos alone. A significant (P<0.05) increase in CA was observed in cultures treated with 75 μg/ml chlorpyrifos as compared to controls, which decreased significantly (P<0.05) with OE pretreatment.     

Protection against mercury-induced renal damage in Swiss albino mice by Ocimum sanctum

Mercury is being widely used in the industry, medical, agriculture and other fields. However, mercury deposition affects the nervous, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and renal systems, as well as the embryo. In most animals' species, including man, the kidney is one of the main sites of deposition of inorganic mercury and target organ for its toxicity. The present investigation reports protection against mercury-induced toxicity by Ocimum sanctum (a traditional sacred medicinal plant, family: Labiatae). Swiss albino mice were divided into four groups. (i) Control group-only vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was given (ii) HgCl(2)-treated group-5.0mg/kg b.w. HgCl(2) administered as i.p. (iii) Ocimum treated group-10mg/kg b.w. Ocimum leaves extract was administered orally. (iv) Combination group-Ocimum leaves extract was administered 10 days prior to mercuric chloride administration and continued upto 30 days after mercuric chloride administration (5.0mg/kg b.w.). The animals were autopsied on day 1, 3, 7, 15 and 30 after treatment. Activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in kidney homogenates. The results indicated that there was a significant increase in LPO content, ACP activity and decrease in LDH and ALP activity after HgCl(2) treatment. The animals treated with Ocimum alone did not show any significant alterations in ACP and ALP activity. However, a significant increase in LDH activity and decrease in LPO level was observed. In combined treatment of Ocimum with HgCl(2), a significant decrease in LPO content and ACP and elevation in LDH and ALP activity was observed as compared to HgCl(2)-treated group. Ocimum extract is also effective in reducing the pathological alterations in the kidney. Thus, the results from the present study suggest that pre-and post-treatment of Ocimum sanctum leaves extract can significantly protect the renal damage against mercuric chloride-induced toxicity.     

Interaction study between Ocimum sanctum and Glimepiride(sulfonylurea derivative) in diabetic rats

The present study was intended to discover the interaction between Ocimum sanctum(O. sanctum) and Glimepiride, a sulfonylurea derivative used in the treatment of type-2 diabetes, in diabetic rats to suggest an alteration in the dose of Glimepiride in case of hypoglycaemia. LD50 studies for the aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf were carried out in albino mice up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg. O. sanctum at low, medium and high doses(100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, per oral), respectively and Glimepiride ?(half) therapeutic dose, therapeutic dose and 2 time therapeutic dose(0.036, 0.072 and 0.144 mg/200 g, per oral) were selected. After the treatment with O. sanctum and Glimepiride as single doses and in various combinations of these two drugs in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats serum glucose levels in all the groups were analysed by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. When administered alone as single doses both aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf and Glimepiride produced a significant anti-diabetic effect in diabetic rats. The anti-diabetic effect observed with combination of aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf and Glimepiride was significant and more when compared to either of the drugs given alone. There was a definite interaction that necessitates dose readjustment of Glimepiride and further glucose levels are to be frequently monitored to avoid complication of hypoglycemic condition with aqueous extract of O. sanctum leaf and Glimepiride combination.     

Wound healing activity of Ocimum sanctum Linn with supportive role of antioxidant enzymes

The present study was performed to evaluate the wound healing and antioxidant effect of aqueous extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (O. sanctum) in rats. Albino rats of either sex were divided into 2 groups. Group I: Wounded control rats; Group II: Wounded rats administered O. sanctum aqueous extract. Wound breaking strength in incision wound model, epithelization period and percent wound contraction in excision wound model were studied. Using dead space wound model, granulation tissue breaking strength, granulation tissue dry weight, hydoxyproline level in dry granulation tissue, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase levels in wet granulation tissue were estimated in both the groups. Increased wound breaking strength, decreased epithelization period, increased percent wound contraction, increased granulation tissue weight and hydroxyproline concentrations were observed. The increased activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, catalase level in extract treated group compared to controls. Granulation tissue was subjected to histopathological examination to determine the pattern of lay-down for collagen using Haematoxylin and Eosin stains which confirm the results. Owing to wound healing and antioxidant activities, O. sanctum may be useful in the management of abnormal healing such as keloids and hypertrophic scars.     

Anticancer Activity of Ocimum Sanctum

Ocimum sanctum L. (Labiatae), a plant with various medicinal properties, has been investigated against human fibrosarcoma cells (HFS cells) in culture. Treatment with an ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum induced cytotoxicity at 50 µg/ml and above. Morphologically the cells showed shrunken cytoplasm and condensed nuclei. The DNA was found to be fragmented on observation in agarose gel electrophoresis. Biochemically the extract-treated HFS cells showed depleted intracellular glutathione and increased levels of lipid peroxidation products. Administration of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum to mice bearing Sarcoma-180 solid tumors mediated a significant reduction in tumor volume and an increase in lifespan. These observations clearly indicate Ocimum sanctum extracts possess anticancer activity.     

Evaluation of ethanol leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum in experimental models of anxiety and depression

Context: Recent studies reveal the co-occurrence of both anxiety and depressive disorders in many clinical conditions, which has introduced the concept of mixed anxiety and depressive disorders (MADD).

Objective: The study evaluated the ethanol leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum (OS) Linn. (Labiatae), a prominent medicinal plant, against both anxiety and depressive disorder, to evaluate its potency in combating MADD.

Materials and methods: Swiss albino mice weighing 20–25?g were used. Gross behavior was observed through Digiscan animal activity monitor. Depression was studied through tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST). Anxiety experiments included light dark test, elevated plus maze test, and holeboard test. Further, rotarod test was also used to study any defects in motor coordination.

Discussion and conclusion: OS at 200?mg/kg showed motor-depressant activity as evaluated with locomotor activity and stereotypy measures. OS at 50?mg/kg shortened the immobility time in the TST and FST, respectively, indicating a possible antidepressant activity. Further, a diminution in the anxiety response at a dose of 50?mg/kg, p.o. body weight was also observed against light dark, elevated plus maze, and holeboard tests, which signifies its antianxiety activity. No defects were observed in the motor coordination of the mice in the rotarod test. Thus, the OS extract shows antianxiety and antidepressant properties at the same dose and can be a potential therapeutic agent against mixed anxiety and depressive syndrome.     

Posological Considerations of Ocimum sanctum (Tulasi) as per Ayurvedic Science and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A study in 2010 reported that administration of 2 g of O. sanctum leaves for 30 days to laboratory male albino rabbits showed adverse effect on sperm count and male hormones. The dose and duration at which this testing was reported was commented upon as being high. It is learnt that basis this publication a few European regulators have imposed restrictions on usage of O. sanctum. Recognizing the need for evaluation, a review has been made of the posological considerations related to decision on dose of a drug in pharmaceuticals (drug development stages) and in Ayurvedic science as part of history of use and current usage. Specifically, we report the dose range as per documented tradition, marketed products containing O. sanctum as an ingredient and current clinical practice. Greater consultation is suggested before deciding the studies on Ayurvedic herbs. Regulatory action of banning use of O. sanctum needs a review and may need to be replaced with an advisory.     

Effects of Ocimum sanctum and Camellia sinensis on stress-induced anxiety and depression in male albino Rattus norvegicus

Objective:

The aim of this study was to study the ameliorative effects of Ocimum sanctum and Camellia sinensis on stress-induced anxiety and depression.

Materials and Methods:

The study was carried out using male albino rats (200 ± 50 g). The effect of O. sanctum and C. sinensis was evaluated for anxiety and depression using elevated plus maze (EPM) test, open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST).

Result:

Restraint stress (3 h/day for six consecutive days) induced a significant reduction in both the percentage number of entries and time spent in open arms in EPM, and these changes were reversed with post-treatment of aqueous extract of O. sanctum and C. sinensis (100 mg/kg for 6 days). Restraint stress-induced (a) increased latency and (b) decreased ambulation and rearing were also reversed by O. sanctum and C. sinensis in OFT. A significant increase in immobility period was observed in FST and TST after restraint stress. O. sanctum and C. sinensis significantly reduced the immobility times of rats in FST and TST.

Conclusion:

O. sanctum and C. sinensis possess anxiolytic and antidepressant activities.     

Antistressor activity of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) against experimentally induced oxidative stress in rabbits

Fresh leaves of Ocimum sanctum (O. sanctum) were evaluated for antistress activity against experimentally induced oxidative stress in albino rabbits. Animals of the test group received supplementation of 2 g fresh leaves of O. sanctum per rabbit for 30 days. Anemic hypoxia was induced chemically by injecting the rabbits with 15 mg sodium nitrite per 100 g body weight intraperitoneally. Results indicated that O. sanctum administration blunted the changes in cardiorespiratory (BP, HR, RR) parameters in response to stress. A significant (p < 0.01) decrease in blood sugar level was observed after 30 days of dietary supplementation of O. sanctum leaves. Significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase) and nonenzymatic (reduced glutathione) antioxidants was observed in the test group after the treatment with O. sanctum. Oxidative stress led to a lesser depletion of reduced glutathione (28.80%) and plasma superoxide dismutase (23.04%) in O. sanctum-treated rabbits. The results of this study suggest that the potential antistressor activity of O. sanctum is partly attributable to its antioxidant properties.     

Noise-stress-induced brain neurotransmitter changes and the effect of Ocimum sanctum (Linn) treatment in albino rats

In this modern world, stress and pollution are unavoidable phenomena affecting the body system at various levels. A large number of people are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels in daily modern life, such as noise from work environments, urban traffic, and household appliances. A variety of studies have suggested an association between noise exposure and the occurrence of disorders involving extra-auditory organs such as disorders of the nervous, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. In this study, Wistar strain albino rats were subjected to 100 dB broadband white noise, 4 h daily for 15 days. The high-pressure liquid chromatographic estimation of norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in discrete regions of the rat brain indicates that noise stress can alter the brain biogenic amines after 15 days of stress exposure. Ocimum sanctum (OS), a medicinal herb that is widely claimed to posses antistressor activity and used extensively in the Indian system of medicine for a variety of disorders, was chosen for this study. Administration of the 70% ethanolic extract of OS had a normalizing action on discrete regions of brain and controlled the alteration in neurotransmitter levels due to noise stress, emphasizing the antistressor potential of this plant.     

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Vanillin Derivatives

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Journal - The analgesic activity of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde (vanillin) derivatives with different pharmacophore groups were studied in vivo in models of chemically...     

Adjuvant role of Ocimum sanctum hydroalcoholic extract with carbamazepine and phenytoin in experimental model of acute seizures

PurposeThis study assessed adjuvant potential of Ocimum sanctum hydroalcoholic extract (OSHE) with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) carbamazepine (CBZ) and phenytoin (PHT) in maximal electroshock seizure (MES) model in male Wistar rats.Material and MethodsPharmacodynamic effect of OSHE (1000 mg/kg) was assessed through seizure protection potential, neurobehavioral tests and oxidative stress estimation in MES model after 14 days administration of OSHE alone or combination with maximal (M) and sub-maximal (SM) dose of CBZ or PHT. Pharmacokinetic interaction of OSHE with AEDs was also assessed after 14 days of drug treatment.ResultsOSHE per se showed 50% protection against MES-induced seizures. Combination of OSHE with AEDs’ SM dose enhanced its seizure protection potential. Significant reduction in duration of tonic hind limb extension was observed in CBZ-SM + OSHE as compared to control group (p = 0.006). Among neurobehavioral tests in Morris water maze test rats of CBZ-M + OSHE took significantly less time to reach the platform (p = 0.022) and spent more time in target quadrant (p = 0.016) as compared to other groups. Similarly, rats of PHT-SM + OSHE group spent significantly more time in the target quadrant (p = 0.013). In elevated plus maze test, CBZ-M + OSHE had significantly decreased transfer latency compared to other groups (p = 0.013). OSHE alone treated group had significantly lower oxidative stress as compared to other groups. No significant pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between OSHE and AEDs (CBZ, PHT).ConclusionOcimum’s potential of enhanced seizure protection and neuroprotection along with minimal drug interaction with AEDs substantiate its adjuvant role in the management of epilepsy.     

Effect of Fixed Oil of Ocimum sanctum against Experimentally Induced Arthritis and Joint Edema in Laboratory Animals

The fixed oil of O. sanctum seeds was screened for antiarthritic activity using Freund's adjuvant arthritis, formaldehyde-induced arthritis and also turpentine oil-induced joint edema in rats. The oil was administered intraperitoneally for 14 days in the case of adjuvant-induced arthritis and 10 days in formaldehyde-induced arthritis. The mean changes in diameter of paw were noted at regular intervals. X-rays of paws were taken at the end of study and SGOT & SGPT levels were also estimated. The fixed oil showed significant anti-arthritic activity in both models and anti-edema activity against turpentine oil-induced joint edema.     

Reversible anti-fertility effect of benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on sperm parameters and fructose content in rats

Treatment of albino rats with a benzene extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (250 mg/kg body weight) for 48 d decreased total sperm count, sperm motility, and forward velocity. The percentage of abnormal sperm increased in caudal epididymal fluid, and the fructose content decreased in the caudal plasma of the epididymis and the seminal vesicles. The results suggest that such effects are due to androgen deprivation, caused by the anti-androgenic property of O. sanctum leaves. The effect was reversible because all parameters returned to normal 2 wk after the withdrawal of treatment.