ANTI-PARKINSON POTENTIAL OF OCCIMUM SANTUM THROUGH IN-SILICO DOCKING STUDY

Objective: Parkinson's disease is affecting millions of people worldwide. The prevalence of Parkinson's disease is 0.3% globally, rising to 1% in more than 60 years of age and 4% in more than 80 years of age and the figures are thought to be doubled by 2030. Thus, there is a great need to identify novel therapeutic strategies or candidate drug molecule which can rescue neuronal degeneration. The aim of the present study was to assess bioactive compounds found in Tulsi as potential antiparkinson activity using molecular docking and to provide scientific justification in term of its active ingredient to target protein for prevention and symptomatic treatment of diabetics. The active compounds of Ocimum sanctum is to reveal its pote Methods: ntiality by molecular docking analysis to find out its potent compound against parkinsonism which was done by Lipinski's rule in docking analysis. A wi Results: de range of docking score found during molecular docking analysis. Among the compounds Alpha-farnesene showed the highest negative value which is the best dock-score i.e., -6.2 followed by Cyclohexane-1,2,4- triethenyl (-5.9) followed by Benzene, 1, 2- dimethoxy-4-(1-propenyl) (-5.7) followed by Eugenol (-5.2). Conclusion: Alpha-farnesene and Cyclohexane-1,2,4- triethenyl are the best compounds for inhibiting of both, as it possessed best value in Molecular docking hence these are the potent antiparkinsonism agent.

Antibacterial efficacy of manuka honey, ocimum sanctum, curcuma longa and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on the level of streptococcus mutans and lactobacillus acidophilus - A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To assess the effects of Manuka honey, Ocimum sanctum, Curcuma longa, and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus levels. Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted on dental students of Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad. The study participants will be divided into four groups. Each group will have a total of 20 individuals. By using a lottery system, Group A (Manuka honey mouthrinse), Group B (Ocimum sanctum mouthrinse), Group C (Curcuma longa mouthrinse), and Group D (0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse) will be chosen. To match the circadian cycle, saliva will be collected at baseline and again after 2 weeks between 10 and 10.30 a.m. The sterile container will subsequently be delivered to the microbiological laboratory and processed as soon as possible to measure Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus count. For 2 weeks, participants were told to use 10 mL of mouthrinse twice daily. Results: The mean oral hygiene index?simplified (OHI?S) score of all the four groups showed reduction in their scores from baseline to after the study period. For both S. mutans and L. acidophilus, there was a substantial Percentage Reduction (PR) between the prerinse and postrinse samples in all four groups. Discussion: Because quantitative actions play a crucial part in the caries disease process, the changes in microbial activity before and after administration of experimental mouthwashes were examined. Conclusion: Essential oil aqueous extracts were as efficient antibacterial mouthwashes as chlorhexidine and iodine mouthwashes

Efficacy of topical tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) paste for the management of oral submucous fibrosis – A clinical study

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic insidious oral potentially malignant disorder characterized by increased collagen deposition and reduced collagen degradation causing burning sensation and difficulty in mouth opening. Aim: To assess the efficacy of topical Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) paste for the management of OSMF. Settings and Design: Institution?based clinical trial. Materials and Methods: The study included a total of 60 OSMF patients categorized into three Groups A, B and C (20 in each) depending on the severity according to Lai DR et al. classification. The patients were advised for topical Tulsi paste application and were evaluated for the reduction in the burning sensation and improvement in mouth opening every month for 3 subsequent months using the numeric pain rating scale (NRS) and a Vernier calliper, respectively. Statistical Analysis: The baseline and 3?month recordings were subjected to inter? and intra?group statistical analysis using Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance (ANOVA), Mann–Whitney U, one?way ANOVA, Tukey’s multiple post?hoc and Wilcoxon matched?pairs tests. Results: There was a reduction in the burning sensation and improvement in the mouth opening in all three groups. The reduction in the burning sensation was statistically significant among all the groups (P < 0.05) and the NRS scores after 3 months among the three groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the improvement of mouth opening between Group A and B; A and C; but not between B and C. Conclusion: Tulsi paste showed a significant reduction in the burning sensation and improvement of the mouth opening thereby proving to be a safe and promising medicament for OSMF

Anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum and alprazolam in animal models

Background: Stress is the physiological, psychological and behavioral response by individuals when they perceive a lack of equilibrium between the demands placed upon them and their ability to meet those demands, which over a period of time leads to ill health. There are several ways of coping with stress. Some techniques of time management may help a person to control stress.Methods: Forced swim test- mice were randomized into two groups according to the body weights. Each group contains six animals. Each individual animal was allowed to swim inside the jar (25-12-25 cm) containing fresh water up to 15 cm height. Mice were allowed swim for 6 min. After initial struggle to escape the animal became immobile. Total immobility period was measured. Rotarod test- mice were randomized into two groups according to body weights. Each group contains six animals. Rats were placed on the lanes. Latency period was recorded at which each rat falls off the rod.Results: In first experiment, anti-stress activity of Ocimum sanctum in mice was demonstrated by measuring the immobility period during forced swim test and in the second experiment the measurement of the latency period of rats in rotarod apparatus was performed. Both the experimental procedures were compared with standard anti stress drug alprazolam.Conclusions: The present study suggests that Ocimum sanctum possess significant anti stress activity but less when compared to alprazolam.

Assessment of antioxidant activity of Ocimum sanctum in healing of thermal burn wound with and without supportive treatment of silver sulfadiazine in rabbits

Background: Burns remain a major public health issue all over the world, especially in developing countries. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of infection and death in patients with severe burns. So, there is a need to develop drugs which will decrease complications and prevent infections more effectively than the presently used drugs.Methods: Ocimum sanctum, ointment silver sulfadiazine and 24 Rabbits were used in this study. Animals were acclimatized and divided randomly into 04 groups of 06 animals each. After producing partial thickness burn wound ointment silver sulfadiazine was applied daily on the burn wound and Ocimum sanctum was administered orally once daily. Healing was assessed by wound contraction and Oxidative stress and Antioxidant Activity were measured by Malondialdehyde and Superoxide dismutase respectively. Results were analysed by student’s ‘t’ test, one way ANOVA followed by Dennett’s test. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.Results: At the end of treatment (After 28th Day) Group treated with ointment silver sulfadiazine+Ocimum sanctum showed maximum Percentage of wound contraction (93.17±4.34), maximum decrease of MDA percentage (0.30±0.02 nmol/ml) and maximum increase of SOD percentage (0.0045±0.0002 IU/gm of Hb).Conclusions: Most effective treatment for burn wound healing in this study was ointment silver sulfadiazine+Ocimum sanctum.

Antibacterial activity of an endophytic fungus Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64 residing in leaves of a medicinal herb, Ocimum sanctum Linn.

The study was carried out to investigate the antibacterial activity of an endophytic fungal isolate, Lasiodiplodiapseudotheobromae IBRL OS-64 residing in leaves of a medicinal herb, Ocimum sanctum Linn. Qualitative screeningof the antimicrobial activity was done using an agar plug assay, and the results showed that the fungal isolate wasable to inhibit all the 13 test bacteria. Three Gram-positive bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus[MRSA] ATCC 33591, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans) were the most susceptible species withthe inhibition zones of ≥21 mm. The other three (Bacillus cereus ATCC 10876, Bacillus subtilis IBRL A3, andStreptococcus agalactiae) showed the inhibition zones of 11–≤20 mm of diameter. As for Gram-negative bacteria,Yersinia enterocolitica was the most susceptible to the fungal isolate with the size of inhibition zone of ≥21 mm,followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, Salmonella typhimurium, and Shigella boydii ATCC 9207 withthe inhibition zones of 11–≤20 mm, whereas Escherichia coli IBRL 0157, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonasaeruginosa ATCC 27883 were the least susceptible with the inhibition zones of ≤10 mm. Quantitative screeningusing disc diffusion assay showed that the fungal ethyl acetate extract prepared from the fermentative broth(extracellular) exhibited better antibacterial activity compared to the methanolic extract prepared from the fungalbiomass (intracellular). The results showed that the ethyl acetate extract exhibited antibacterial activity against all the13 test bacteria with the inhibition zone sizes of 20.0 ± 0.3–31.3 ± 1.2 mm in diameter for Gram-positive bacteria and10.31 ± 0.6–20.1 ± 0.6 mm in diameter for Gram-negative bacteria. On the other hand, the methanolic extract onlyinhibited three Gram-positive bacteria (MRSA ATCC 33591, S. aureus, and S. mutans) with the inhibition zones of9.0 ± 0.6–11.0 ± 0.3 mm in diameter, whereas only one Gram-negative (S. typhimurium) with the inhibition zone sizeof 13.3 ± 1.5 mm diameter. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration(MBC) values of the ethyl acetate extract on Gram-positive bacteria were in the range of 62.50–125.00 and 62.50–500.00 µg/mL, respectively, whereas for the Gram-negative bacteria, the MIC and MBC values were 125.00–250.00and 250.0–1000.00 µg/mL, respectively. On the other hand, the MIC and MBC values for methanolic extract againstGram-positive bacteria were 250.00–500.00 µg/mL and against Gram-negative bacteria were 1000.00 µg/mL,respectively. Both of the extracts exhibited bactericidal effects on test bacteria with the MBC/MIC ratio ≤4. Further,detail of the effects of the ethyl acetate extract on the bacterial cells was observed from the scanning electronmicroscopy photomicrographs which revealed the severity of the morphological deterioration experienced by theextract-treated cells were beyond repair, and the most possible mode of actions were by interrupting the cell wallbiosynthesis and cell membrane permeability

Comparative evaluation of the effect of Ocimum sanctum and metformin on serum lipid profile in high fat diet fed diabetic rats

Background: Dyslipidaemia is an important risk factor for development of macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ocimum sanctum (OS) and metformin have shown to have antihyperlipidaemic effects. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of OS and Metformin on body weight & plasma lipid levels of high fat diet fed diabetic ratsMethods: Total of 30 male wistar rats (100-150gm) were obtained. Animals were fed with a high fat diet throughout the study (6 weeks). Diabetes was induced by using single intra-peritoneal injection of Streptozotocin 50mg/kg at the end of 4 weeks. Diabetic rats were divided into groups of 6 each and treated as follows: Group 1- Diabetic control, was given vehicle orally. Group 2- O.S. ethanolic extract 100mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group 3- O.S. ethanolic extract 200mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group 4- Metformin 100mg/day for 14 daysResults: At the end of 4 weeks, body weight of rats were significantly increased (p <0.05). Maximum weight gain was seen in control group whereas weight gain was least in O.S. 200mg/kg group (p >0.05). Decrease in body weight was seen in metformin group. Abdominal circumference of rats also showed similar pattern (p >0.05). OS 200 caused significant reduction in serum LDL levels (p <0.05) and significant rise of serum HDL levels (p <0.05) as compared to control group. Metformin also favourably affected the lipid profile and its effects were not significantly different from effects of OS 200 (p> 0.05).Conclusions: Present study revealed that Ocimum Sanctum caused significant reduction in serum lipid levels in high fat diet fed diabetic rats. Metformin also exhibited antihyperlipidaemic activity. So, it is concluded that OS or metformin alone or in combination could be a novel adjunct to diet and life style modification for the management of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes. Further studies are required to confirm the antidyslipidaemic activities of individual phytoconstituents of Ocimum sanctum.

Antiplasmodial activity of silver nanoparticles: A novel green synthesis approach

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles using silver nitrate by a green technique which involves different compositions of aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi). Methods: Their shape and size were determined using transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Their antiplasmodial activity was studied using the malarial parasite strain (Plasmodium falciparum, 3D7). The parasite strain (3D7) was collected and revived in vitro using Trager and Jensen method in RPMI 1640 medium for 7-8 cycles. Half maximal effective concentration values were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis. Results: Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles with size ranging from 4.74-39.32 nm and their size differs by varying the concentrations from 20% to 100% of neem extract in neem and tulsi extracts. It was observed that samples B and C showed half maximum effective concentration of about 0.3 μ M. Conclusions: It can be easily established that the aqueous leaf extracts of neem and tulsi in combination can be a good source for synthesis of silver nanoparticles with small size possessing appreciable antiplasmodial activity.

Antiplasmodial activity of silver nanoparticles: A novel green synthesis approach

Objective: To synthesize silver nanoparticles using silver nitrate by a green technique which involves different compositions of aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi). Methods: Their shape and size were determined using transmission electron microscopy and UV-visible spectroscopy. Their antiplasmodial activity was studied using the malarial parasite strain (Plasmodium falciparum, 3D7). The parasite strain (3D7) was col ected and revived in vitro using Trager and Jensen method in RPMI 1640 medium for 7-8 cycles. Half maximal effective concentration values were calculated by nonlinear regression analysis. Results: Transmission electron microscopy results confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles with size ranging from 4.74-39.32 nm and their size differs by varying the concentrationsfrom20％to100％ofneemextractinneemandtulsiextracts.Itwasobservedthat samples B and C showed half maximum effective concentration of about 0.3μM. Conclusions:It can be easily established that the aqueous leaf extracts of neem and tulsi in combination can be a good source for synthesis of silver nanoparticles with smal size possessing appreciable antiplasmodial activity.

Evaluation of antipsychotic effect of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves on laboratory animals.

Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae) commonly known as tulsi, is well known for its excellent nutritional and medicinal values throughout the world. The present study was undertaken to test the effect of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o) on psychosis employing Ketamine induced stereotypic behaviour in mice and Pole climbing avoidance in rats. Haloperidol (1mg/kg, i.p.) and Olanzapine (5mg/kg, i.p.) are established antipsychotic drugs used as standard drugs in the present study. Effect of methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (OS), on brain dopamine levels was also estimated. Methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (50, 100 and 200mg/kg, p.o), significantly reduced the Ketamine induced falling, weaving, head bobbing and turning behavior in mice. Furthermore, it significantly delayed the latency time taken by the rats to climb the pole. Haloperidol (1mg/kg; i.p.) and Olanzapine (5mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the Ketamine induced stereotypic behavior in mice and condition avoidance behavior in rats. Interestingly, Brain dopamine level was significantly reduced by methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves. These findings, when taken together indicate that methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves possesses anti-psychotic like property.

Exploring Bhavana samskara using Tinospora cordifolia and Phyllanthus emblica combination for learning and memory in mice.

Background: Current medications for dementia and enhancement of learning and memory are limited hence we need to explore traditional medicinal systems like Ayurveda to investigate agents that can improve learning and enhance memory. Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate effects and mechanisms of Ayurveda drug formulations, Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) and Phyllanthus emblica (Pe) with and without Bhavana samskara on learning and memory of mice. Materials and Methods: After approval of Animal Ethics Committee, Swiss albino mice were divided into seven groups, administered orally: Distilled water, Rivastigmine (2.4 mg/kg), Tc (100 mg/kg), Pe (300 mg/kg), formulation 1 (Tc + Pe: 400 mg/kg) and formulation 2 (Tc + Pe + Ocimum sanctum: 400 mg/kg) daily for 15 days. Piracetam (200 mg/kg) was injected daily intraperitoneally for 8 days. The mice underwent a learning session using elevated plus maze. Memory was tested 24 hours later. Results: Mice pretreated with all the drugs showed a trend toward reducing transfer latencies but values were comparable to vehicle control. In all drug‑treated groups, a significant reduction in transfer latency was observed after 24 h. Improvement in learning and memory by both formulations were comparable to individual plant drugs, Tc and Pe. Conclusion: The plant drugs showed improvements in learning and memory. The fixed‑dose formulations with Bhavana samskara, showed encouraging results as compared to individual agents but the difference was not statistically significant. Hence, the concept of Bhavana samskara could not be explored in the present study. However, these drugs showed comparable or better effects than the modern medicinal agents thus, their therapeutic potential as nootropics needs to be explored further.

Isolation and Characterization of a Lactose-Binding Lectin from Ocimum sanctum.

A novel lectin has been isolated from Ocimum sanctum and purified to homogeneity by gel filtration chromatography, which eluted as a single symmetrical peak from a Biogel P-100 column with a molecular mass of 66 kDa. The lectin had a special agglutinating activity with human erythrocytes at a minimum concentration of 0.7 ug/ml. The lectin was stable in the pH range 5-12 and temperature 80 °C for 30 min. Ocimum sanctum had shown highest agglutinating activity at pH7 and 250C temperature after one hour incubation. Of the various sugars tested, even at 1000 mM sugar concentration, no inhibition was observed. The isolated lectin was found to be lactose-biding lectin sugar moieties and contain 2.6 mg/ml total sugar and 9.3 mg/ml of total protein.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Ocimum sanctum: a comparative study using animal modelsv.

Background: Ocimum sanctum commonly known as Tulsi has been used for thousands of years in the Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. This study was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of O. sanctum aqueous leaf extract in thermal and chemical induced pain and inflammatory animal models. Methods: Wistar albino rats (150-200 g) and swiss albino mice (25-30 g) were randomly divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. The control group, test group, and standard drugs group received normal saline, O. sanctum extract (100 mg/kg), aspirin, and celecoxib respectively, by oral feeding. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by carrageenan induced rat paw edema and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats. Analgesic effect was assessed by hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhing method in mice. Results: In carrageenan induced rat paw edema, maximum inhibition by O. sanctum, aspirin, and celecoxib were 13.43%, 30%, and 32%, respectively, and time to reach maximum inhibition for O. sanctum was 2 hrs. In cotton pellet induced granuloma, percentage inhibition by O. sanctum, aspirin, and celecoxib were 23.85%, 45.84%, and 42.77%, respectively. In hot plate method, maximum inhibition by O. sanctum, aspirin and celecoxib were 143.92%, 288.18%, and 260.59%, respectively. In acetic acid induced writhing method, percentage protection by O. sanctum, aspirin, and celecoxib were 50.2%, 71.4%, and 66.5%, respectively. Conclusion: The current study demonstrates statistically significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of O. sanctum.

Clinical evaluation of the role of tulsi and turmeric in the management of oral submucous fibrosis: A pilot, prospective observational study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical efficacy of herbal medicines (1 gm tulsi and 1 gm turmeric mixed in glycerine base) for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Forty‑one patients in the age group of 17- 56 years without any systemic complications were included in the study. The patients were treated with medicines, which were to be applied 3-4 times a day. Blood samples were collected before and after treatment to screen for any systemic changes due to these medications. Burning sensation and mouth opening were recorded before and after treatment. Patients were followed up on monthly subsequent visits for three months. Changes in the burning sensation on visual analogue scale (VAS) scale and difference in the mouth opening were analyzed statistically. A statistically significant improvement was seen in both burning sensation and mouth opening. Tulsi and turmeric offers a safe and efficacious combination of natural products available for symptomatic treatment of OSMF.

Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum: A herb for all reasons.

The predominant cause of global morbidity and mortality is lifestyle‑related chronic diseases, many of which can be addressed through Ayurveda with its focus on healthy lifestyle practices and regular consumption of adaptogenic herbs. Of all the herbs used within Ayurveda, tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn) is preeminent, and scientific research is now confirming its beneficial effects. There is mounting evidence that tulsi can address physical, chemical, metabolic and psychological stress through a unique combination of pharmacological actions. Tulsi has been found to protect organs and tissues against chemical stress from industrial pollutants and heavy metals, and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion, ischemia, physical restraint and exposure to cold and excessive noise. Tulsi has also been shown to counter metabolic stress through normalization of blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels, and psychological stress through positive effects on memory and cognitive function and through its anxiolytic and anti‑depressant properties. Tulsi’s broad‑spectrum antimicrobial activity, which includes activity against a range of human and animal pathogens, suggests it can be used as a hand sanitizer, mouthwash and water purifier as well as in animal rearing, wound healing, the preservation of food stuffs and herbal raw materials and traveler’s health. Cultivation of tulsi plants has both spiritual and practical significance that connects the grower to the creative powers of nature, and organic cultivation offers solutions for food security, rural poverty, hunger, environmental degradation and climate change. The use of tulsi in daily rituals is a testament to Ayurvedic wisdom and provides an example of ancient knowledge offering solutions to modern problems.

Effect of combination of Phyllanthus emblica, Tinospora cordifolia, and Ocimum sanctum on spatial learning and memory in rats.

Background: There has been a steady rise in number of patients suffering from dementia including dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Effective treatment of Alzheimer’s disease dementia is an unmet medical need. Objective: To evaluate effects of formulation containing combination of Phyllanthus emblica (Pe) and Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) with and without Ocimum sanctum (Os) on learning and memory performance of normal and memory impaired rats in complex maze and compare with effects of Tinospora cordifolia and Phyllanthus emblica alone. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats; either sex (100–150 g) were divided in seven groups Control, Piracetam, Rivastigmine, Tc, Pe, Formulation 1 (Tc + Pe), and Formulation 2 (Tc + Pe + Os).The study was divided in four parts: In part 1 memory enhancement was tested in normal rats. In part 2, 3, and 4 the effects of drugs were tested in Scopolamine‑, Diazepam‑, and Cyclosporine‑induced amnesia. Hebb–Williams maze was used to test for learning and memory. Time required to trace food and number of errors in maze were noted. Results: In normal rats, all test drugs showed significant reduction in time required to trace the food and number of errors after 24 h compared with vehicle control. Formulations 1 and 2 reduced the time required to trace food and number of errors and the results were comparable with positive control groups and comparators Tc and Pe. Formulations 1 and 2 reversed amnesia produced by Scopolamine, Diazepam, and Cyclosporine when compared with vehicle control and showed comparable results with those of positive control groups and comparators Tc and Pe. Conclusion: Formulations 1 and 2 demonstrated nootropic activity and both the formulations showed comparable nootropic activity with that of Tc and Pe alone.

Comparison of Total Flavonoid, Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity in Leaf and Seed Extracts from White Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum).

Ocimum sanctum, commonly known as the white holy basil herb belonging to Lamiaceae family is one of the oldest and popular medicinal plant rich in various phytonutrients and antioxidants. In this study, the comparative evaluation of flavonoids, phenolic content, and antioxidant capacity was carried out in methanolic extract prepared from O. sanctum leaves and seeds. The TAC, TPC, and the TFC were measured by ammonium molybdate, Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminum chloride method respectively. Antioxidant activity was also determined by using DPPH and FRAP assay. In response to the above assays, TACs of O. sanctum leaf and seed extracts were 25-248 and 0.011-0.109 μg AAE/10 mg of extract respectively. The TFC assay showed that leaf extract of O. sanctum (14- 225 μg QE/10mg extract) had higher flavonoid content than the seed extract (0.009-0.119 μg QE/10 mg extract) and the TPC assay in the leaf extract (4.49-9.31 μg GAE/mg extract) was higher than those present in seed (4.10-9.05 μg GAE/mg extract). In DPPH assay, % inhibition in O. sanctum leaf extract was determined in the range 18-76% while in seed extract it was 6-29% and in FRAP assay, leaf extract displayed reducing power in range 0.48- 5.50 μg FSE /mg extract while in seed extract it was 0.16-5.46 μg FSE /mg extract. It was observed that O. sanctum leaf extract had high total phenolic and flavonoid content in addition to antioxidant capacity as compared to its seed extract. Abbreviations: TAC: Total Antioxidant Capacity TPC: Total Phenolic Content TFC: Total Flavonoid Content DPPH: 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl FRAP: Ferric Reducing/Antioxidant Power

Microwave Assisted Biosynthesis of Silver Nano-particles by Aqueous Extract of Ocimum Sanctum (Tulsi).

Owing to widespread applications, synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles is recently attracting considerable attention. Increasing environmental concerns over chemical synthesis routes have resulted in attempts to develop biomimetic approaches. One of them is synthesis using plant parts, which eliminates the elaborate process of maintaining the microbial culture and often found to be kinetically favorable than other bioprocesses. The present study deals with investigating the effect of process microwave irradiation, interaction time on the morphology and size of silver nanoparticles synthesized using aqueous extract of Tulsi. Plant extract from ocimum sanctum (Tulsi) was used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate solution. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The formation and stability of the reduced silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution was monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometer analysis. Nanoparticles ranges from 20 to 40 nm in size with nearly spherical shape were produced. SEM determination of the brown color stable samples showed the formation of silver nanoparticles and well dispersed nanoparticles could be seen in the samples treated with silver nitrate. These silver nanoparticles have proven to be stable for more than 3 months. It can be inferred from the study that fne tuning the bioprocess parameters will enhance possibilities of desired nano-product tail or made for particular applications.

A randomized controlled clinical trial of Ocimum sanctum and chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque and gingival infl ammation.

Background: Periodontal diseases are ubiquitous, affecting all dentate animals. Regular methods for controlling it have been found to be ineffective, which have paved the way for the use of herbal products as an adjunctive to mechanical therapy as they are free to untoward effects and hence can be used for a long period of time. Ocimum sanctum is a plant which has the greater medicinal value and enormous properties for curing and preventing disease. Objective: In the present study we assessed the effectiveness of Ocimum sanctum on dental plaque, gingival infl ammation and comparison with gold standard chlorhexidine and normal saline (placebo). Materials and Methods: A triple blind randomized control trial was conducted among volunteered medical students. They were randomly allocated into three study groups: (1) Ocimum sanctum mouthwash (n = 36); (2) Chlorhexidine (active control) (n = 36); (3) normal saline (negative control) (n = 36). Assessment was carried out according to plaque score and gingival score. Statistical analysis was carried out later to compare the effect of both mouthwash. ANOVA (Analysis of variance) and post-hoc LSD tests were performed using software package used for statistical analysis (SPSS) version 17. P ≤0.05 was considered as statistically signifi cant. Results: Our result showed that Ocimum sanctum mouthrinse is equally effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis as Chlorhexidine. The results demonstrated a signifi cant reduction in gingival bleeding and plaque indices in both groups over a period of 15 and 30 days as compared to control group. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that Ocimum sanctum mouthrinse may prove to be an effective mouthwash owing to its ability in decreasing periodontal indices by reducing plaque accumulation, gingival infl ammation and bleeding. It has no side effect as compared to chlorhexidine.

Role of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract on dietary supplementation in the transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To evaluate the effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract on the dietary supplementation in the transgenic Drosophila model of Parkinson's disease.@*METHOD@#The effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract was studied on the transgenic Drosophila model of flies expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-αs) in the neurons. O. sanctum extract at final concentrations of 0.042 8 × 10(-4), 0.87 × 10(-4), and 1.85 × 10(-4) g·mL(-1) of diet were established and the flies were allowed to feed for 21 days. The climbing assay and lipid peroxidation were taken as parameters for the study.@*RESULTS@#The supplementation of O. sanctum extract showed a dose-dependent significant delay in the loss of climbing ability and reduction in oxidative stress in the brain of PD model flies.@*CONCLUSION@#The results of the present study showed that the O. sanctum extract is potent in reducing the PD symptoms in transgenic Drosophila model.