Comparative study on some selected species of Ocimum genus on free radical scavenging activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced intoxication in rats

Myron Green, Rajeswara Rao Pragada, Sambasivarao Ethadi, Bettaiya Rajanna

Alcorn State University, Mississippi, USA.
AU College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, India.

DOI: 10.4236/ajmb.2013.34024                

Abstract

In this study, we compared the in vitro antioxidant property among the selected Ocimum species (O. sanctum, O. americanum, O. basilicum and O. gratissimum) and hepatoprotective activities of their extracts against CCl4 induced intoxication. The results suggested that the four species of Ocimum genus showed variability in Phenolic content and in vitro antioxi-dant activity against DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in the following manner: O. sanctum > O. americanum > O. basilicum > O. gratissimum respec-tively. Based on serum AST, ALT, ALP and T. Bil levels, the alcoholic extracts of Ocimum species showed a significant dose dependent (250 mg and 500 mg and 750 mg/kg p.o.) and a protective effect against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The results further revealed that the potential hepatoprotective activity of Ocimum sanctum among the Ocimum species.

Keywords

Ocimum sanctum; Ocimum americanum; Ocimum basilicum; Ocimum gratissimum; Antioxidant Activity; Carbon Tetrachloride; Hepatotoxicity

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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