ABSTRACT
Background: Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is a shrub belonging to the family of Lamiaceae. It is commonly called scent leaf or clove basil and it is found in many tropical countries. Studies have shown that the leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum possess medicinal properties. Aim: The effect of methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum on blood pressure, electrolytes, renal and cardiac biomarkers in 8% NaCl- induced hypertensive male Wistar rats. Methodology: Forty Wistar rats (120-160) g were assigned to 5 groups of eight rats each. Group 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 constitute the normal, hypertensive group, OG (200 mg/kg bwt) group, OG (400 mg/kg bwt) group and reference drugs (lisinopril, 30 mg/kg) group respectively. Group 3, 4 and 5 were given the extract and reference drug through oral gavage. All groups except group 1 were induced with 8% NaCl from 0-4weeks before treatment with OG and reference drug from 5-8 weeks. Electrolytes and other biochemical parameters were assayed using standard methods. Results: The phytochemical results revealed the presence of phenol, flavonoids, alkaloids, phytate, tannis and saponin. At 4 weeks (after induction), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), serum sodium, chloride, urea, and creatinine significantly (p<0.05) increased while serum potassium significantly (p<0.05) decreased in all the groups except group 1. At 8 weeks, after treatment with OG (200 mg/kgbwt), OG (400 mg/kgbwt) and lisinopril (30 mg/kg), SBP, DBP, serum sodium, chloride, urea, and creatinine significantly(p<0.05) decreased while serum potassium significantly (p<0.05) increased. Creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB however, were not significantly altered after the 4th and 8th week. Conclusion: OG extract possesses an antihypertensive effect and enhances the proper functioning of the kidney. It may also be useful in hypertensive condition due to its nephroprotective effect at 200mg/kgbwt and 400 mg/kgbwt.