ABSTRACT
This study evaluated the effect of diesel petroleum intoxication in rats and the ability of phytochemicals and antioxidant content of Ocimum gratissimum to ameliorate such toxicity. Toxicity in rat was induced by administering 4 ml/kg body weight of diesel in the test rats except control. The intoxication and treatment with 20 % O. gratissimum supplemented diet was for 7 days. Serum liver function markers, Oxidative stress markers and lipid profile were estimated. Diesel induced hepatotoxicity was characterized by significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum protein concentration and oxidative enzymes activities. Also increase in activities of liver function enzymes and Cholesterol was observed. The group of rats which diet was supplemented with O. gratissimum showed significant (p< 0.05) improvement in the concentration of serum proteins and decrease in the activities of liver function enzymes. Similarly the activities of oxidative enzymes significantly (p<0.05) increased, compared to the untreated rats. These results indicate a chemoprotective ability of this Nigerian indigenous spice.