Antibacterial activity of Lippia alba, Myrcia lundiana and Ocimum basilicum essential oils against six food-spoiling pathogenic microorganisms / Actividad antibacteriana de los aceites esenciales de Lippia alba, Myrcia lundiana y Ocimum basilicum contra seis microorganismos patógenos que estropean los alimentos

The aim of this study was to undertake a screening experiment on essential oils (EO) of Myrcia lundiana, Ocimum basilicum and Lippia alba against six food-spoiling pathogenic bacteria. Seventy-two (72) samples were initially analyzed fo antimicrobial activity based on the agar diffusion test. The minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations were determined for the 12 samples which showed greatest antimicrobial potential in this stage. Two samples of L. alba, three samples of M. lundiana and seven samples of O. basilicum showed a MIC of 0.12-125 µL/mL for the six tested bacteria. Of these, the EO of O. basilicum cultivar Maria Bonita stood out with the lowest MIC and MBC. Thus, a mixture simulating this essential oil was prepared from commercial standards of the compounds (±)-linalool, geraniol and 1,8-cineole. Significantly higher MIC and MBC were detected in the simulation compared to the respective EO, suggesting a synergistic effect between compounds.

El objetivo de este estudio fue realizar un experimento de detección en aceites esenciales (AE) de Myrcia lundiana, Ocimum basilicum y Lippia alba contra seis bacterias patógenas que estropean los alimentos. Setenta y dos (72) muestras fueron analizadas inicialmente para la actividad antimicrobiana basada en la prueba de difusión en agar. Se determinaron las concentraciones mínimas inhibitoria (CMI) y bactericida (CMB) para las 12 muestras que mostraron el mayor potencial antimicrobiano en esta etapa. Dos muestras de L. alba, tres muestras de M. lundiana y siete muestras de O. basilicum mostraron un CMI de 0.12-125 µL/mL para las seis bacterias analizadas. De estos, el AE de O. basilicum cultivar Maria Bonita se destacó con el CMI y CMB más bajos. Por lo tanto, se preparó una mezcla que simula este aceite esencial a partir de los estándares comerciales de los compuestos de (±)-linalol, geraniol y 1,8-cineol. Se detectaron CMI y CMB significativamente más altos en la simulación en comparación con el AE respectivo, lo que sugiere un efecto sinérgico entre los compuestos.

Low-Temperature Extracts of Purple Blossoms of Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L) Intervened Mitochondrial Translocation Contributes Prompted Apoptosis in Human Breast Cancer Cells

BACKGROUND: The preventive and therapeutic medical utilization of this plant is an age-long practice across the globe. This study aimed to validate the impact of dark purple blossoms of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) aqueous extract at low temperature (0 °C) mediated mitochondrial fission contributed to induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells. METHODS: Fresh blossoms were extracted at low temperature (0 °C) using a watery solvent. Human MCF7 breast cancer cells were then treated with 3 separate fluctuated concentrations of 0, 50, 150 and 250 µg/mL for 24 and 48 h. RESULTS: The outcomes demonstrated the presence of anthocyanins, anthraquinones, tannins, reducing sugars, glycosides, proteins, amino acids, flavonoids and volatile oils and nonappearance of Terpinoids and alkaloids. Contrastingly, frail presence of steroids in basil blossoms aqueous concentrate was noted. In addition, the results from a phytochemical subjective examination of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract demonstrated that most of the credited natural impacts containing more remarkable contents of antioxidants and anticancer compounds in basil blossoms aqueous extract. Moreover, the restraint of glucose take-up was alleviated mediated by a dose-dependent manner in MCF7 cells with basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms aqueous extract inducted for 24 h, resulting in mitochondrial fission. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that shows the impact of the aqueous extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) blossoms was extracted at low temperature (0°C/6 h) underlined high amounts of flavonoids and phenolic compounds bearing more anticancer and antioxidant activities compared to another aqueous extract (using boiled water solvent) and alcoholic extracts.

Determinação da composição centesimal e capacidade antioxidante de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L. ) obtido em cultivo orgânico no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Determination of centesimal composition and antioxidant capacity of basil (Ocimum basilicum L. ) obtained in organic cultivation in the State of Rio de Janeiro

O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) é uma erva com ampla aplicação na culinária e relevante valor nutricional. Neste contexto, este trabalho determinou a composição centesimal e a capacidade antioxidante de folhas de manjericão orgânico. Foi determinada a seguinte composição centesimal em base seca: proteínas 43,57 ± 0,35 g/100g, lipídios 17,58 ± 1,05 g/100g, carboidratos 17,14 ± 0,51 g/100g e cinzas 21,70 ± 0,08 g/100g. A capacidade antioxidante foi determinada pela quantificação dos fenólicos totais (18,10±0,17 mg AGE/g) e do percentual de desativação do radical DPPH (89,16%). Teores de clorofila e carotenoides totais também foram quantificados. Os resultados apontam o potencial nutricional do manjericão analisado, onde a presença de compostos bioativos pode caracterizar a atividade antioxidante observada.

Efficiency of essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Cymbopogum flexuosus in the sedation and anaesthesia of Nile tilapia juveniles

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the sedative and anaesthetic effect of the essential oils of basil (Ocimum basilicum) (EOOB) and lemongrass (Cymbopogum flexuosus) (EOCF) in Nile tilapia juveniles. The fish were transferred to aquaria containing different concentrations of each essential oil: 10, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 and 600 μL L-1. The time of sedation ranged from 7 to 31 seconds and the recommended concentration was 10 or 25 μL L-1 for both essential oils. The best times for anaesthesia and recovery were found for the concentrations of 400 μL L-1 for EOOB (135.2 and 199.1 seconds, respectively) and 600 μL L-1 for EOCF (327.1 and 374.8 seconds, respectively). In conclusion, we recommend the use of EOOB and EOCF for the sedation and anaesthesia of Nile tilapia at concentrations of 10-25 (for both), 400 and 600 μL L-1, respectively.

Aislamiento de componentes y efecto hipoglicemiante del extracto metanólico de albahaca (Ocium basilicum), en ratas C57bl/6 con hiperglicemia experimental / Isolation of components and hypoglycemic effect of methanolic basil extract (ocium basilicum) in C57bl/6 rats with experimental hyperglycemia

ResumenAntecedentes:la albahaca (Ocium basilicum) es una hierba perteneciente a la familia laminaceae, caracterizada por sus bondades medicinales. Se ha referido su uso en la terapéutica del cáncer, vitíiigo, hipercolesterolemia y la diabetes mellitus.Objetivo:evaluar el efecto hipoglicemiante del extracto metanólico de la albahaca, su aislamiento y purificación de sus principales compuestos.Métodos:las hojas y tallos fueron colectadas en el sector la Hechicera, estado Mérida, Venezuela.Las muestras se maceraron en 20L de metanol al 70% v/v, dosificándose a dosis crecientes entre 1,0 y 2,0 g/kg, usando como modelo experimental, ratas macho de la cepa C57BL/6, con hiperglicemia inducida con aloxano monohidratado. Se incluyó un control positivo usando como agente hipoglucemiante la sitagliptina (400μg/kg). El extracto se sometió a fraccionamiento mediante cromatografía de columna abierta, cuyas fracciones (175 ml cada una) se asociaron por similitud estructural y fueron dosificadas a la población en estudio. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas seriadas de la vena de la base de la cola y se procesaron siguiendo el método de la glucosa oxidasa-peroxidasa.Resultados:se demostró una disminución de la concentración de glucosa sanguínea a la dosis de 2,0 g/kg (<120 mg/dL). Los análisis estructurales se realizaron mediante pruebas cromatográficas, espectroscópicas, espectrométricas y químicas. Del estudio se aislaron e identificaron los siguientes compuestos: nandecilato de metilo (C20O2H40); behenato de metilo (C23O2H46) hexacosanoato de metilo(C27O2H54), así como 18-metoxicarbonil-3,4-didehidroibogamina, el flavonoides 5,7,3´-trihydroxi-3,6,4´-trimetoxiflavona, los cuales son reportados por primera vez en los análisis fitoquímicos para O. basilicum.Conclusión:estos hallazgos sustentan el potencial uso de la albahaca como alternativa considerable en el tratamiento hipoglucemiante.

AbstractBackground:Basil (Ocium basilicum) is an herb belonging to the family laminaceae, characterized by its medicinal benefits. Its use has been referred for the treatment of cancer, vitiligo, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus.Objective:to evaluate the hypoglycemic effect of the methanol extract of basil, isolation and purification of its main compounds.Methods:The leaves and stems were collected in the sector La Hechicera, Mérida, Venezuela State. Samples were macerated in 20L of methanol to 70% v/v, dosing to increaseddoses between 1.0 and2.0 g/kg, using as experimental model, male rats of the C57BL/6 strain with hyperglycemia induced with alloxan monohydrate. A positivecontrol was included using as a hypoglycemic agent sitagliptin (400μg/kg). The extract was submitted to fractionation by open column chromatography,, whose fractions (175 ml each) were partnered by structural similarity and were dosed to the population under study. Serial blood samples from the base of the tail vein were obtained and were processed using the method of the glucose oxidase-peroxidase.Results:they showed a decrease of the concentration of blood glucose at a dose of 2.0 g/kg (< 120 mg/dL). Structural analyses were conducted using chromatographic, spectroscopic, spectrometric and chemical tests. They were isolated from the study and the following compounds were identified: nandecilato of methyl (C20O2H40); methyl behenate (C23O2H46), methyl hexacosanoate (C27O2H54) as well as 18-methoxycarbonyl-3, 4-didehidroibogamina, 5,7,3´-trihydroxi-3,6,4´- trimetoxiflavona flavonoid, which are reported for the first time in the phytochemical analysis for O. basilicum.Conclusion:These findings support the potential use of Basil as a weed of traditional medicine in the hypoglycemic treatment.

Volatile profile of basil cultivars and hybrids / Volatile perfil de cultivares de albahaca y los híbridos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the volatile profile as a result of hybridization. Data were analyzed by ANOVA, Tukey test and Principal Component Analysis. Hybridization provided the appearance of compounds in hybrids, and these compounds are absent in the parental volatile profile. The new compounds were: camphor, neral, geranial, beta-selinene, bicyclogermacrene, (E)-caryophyllene and methyl chavicol, for the hybrid 'Genovese' x 'Maria Bonita'; and camphor, for the hybrid 'Sweet Dani' x 'Genovese'.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el perfil de volátiles como resultado de la hibridación. Los datos fueron analizados por ANOVA, prueba de Tukey y Análisis de Componentes Principales. La hibridación proporcionó la aparición de nuevos compuestos híbridos que no están presentes en el perfil de volátiles de los parentales, como por ejemplo el alcanfor, el neral, el geranial A, el beta-selineno, el biciclogermacrene, el (E)-cariofileno y el metil chavicol para el híbrido 'Genovese' x 'Maria Bonita', y el alcanfor para el híbrido 'Sweet Dani' x 'Genovese'.

Antimicrobial activities of six essential oils commonly used as condiments in Brazil against Clostridium perfringens

Abstract Despite recent advances in food production technology, food-borne diseases (FBD) remain a challenging public health concern. In several countries, including Brazil, Clostridium perfringens is among the five main causative agents of food-borne diseases. The present study determines antimicrobial activities of essential oils of six condiments commonly used in Brazil, viz., Ocimum basilicum L. (basil), Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary), Origanum majorana L. (marjoram), Mentha × piperita L. var. Piperita (peppermint), Thymus vulgaris L. (thyme) and Pimpinella anisum L. (anise) against C. perfringens strain A. Chemical compositions of the oils were determined by GC–MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry). The identities of the isolated compounds were established from the respective Kováts indices, and a comparison of mass spectral data was made with those reported earlier. The antibacterial activity was assessed from minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the microdilution method. Minimum inhibitory concentration values were 1.25 mg mL-1 for thyme, 5.0 mg mL-1 for basil and marjoram, and 10 mg mL-1 for rosemary, peppermint and anise. All oils showed bactericidal activity at their minimum inhibitory concentration, except anise oil, which was only bacteriostatic. The use of essential oils from these common spices might serve as an alternative to the use of chemical preservatives in the control and inactivation of pathogens in commercially produced food systems.

In vitro inhibition of the bovine viral diarrhoea virus by the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (basil) and monoterpenes

The bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is suggested as a model for antiviral studies of the hepatitis C virus (HCV). The antiviral activity of the essential oil of Ocimum basilicum and the monoterpenes camphor, thymol and 1,8-cineole against BVDV was investigated. The cytotoxicities of the compounds were measured by the MTT (3-(4.5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test, and the antiviral activities were tested by the plaque reduction assay. The oil or compounds were added to the assay in three different time points: a) pre-treatment of the virus (virucidal assay); b) pre-treatment of the cells; or c) post-treatment of the cells (after virus inoculation). The percentage of plaques inhibition for each compound was determined based on the number of plaques in the viral control. The results were expressed by CC50 (50% cytotoxic concentration), IC50 (inhibitory concentration for 50% of plaques) and SI (selectivity index = CC50/IC50). Camphor (CC50 = 4420.12 µgmL-1) and 1,8-cineole (CC50 = 2996.10 µgmL-1) showed the lowest cytotoxicities and the best antiviral activities (camphor SI = 13.88 and 1,8-cineol SI = 9.05) in the virucidal assay. The higher activities achieved by the monoterpenes in the virucidal assay suggest that these compounds act directly on the viral particle.

Correlación entre la actividad antioxidante y la concentración de polifenoles de tres variedades de albahaca Ocimun basílicum, por el método de Folin - Ciocalteu y de radical DPPH en el Laboratorio de Biociencia de la UNAN-Managua. Octubre 2011 - marzo - 2012 / Correlation between the antioxidant activity and the concentration of polyphenols of three varieties of basil Ocimun basílicum, by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and DPPH radical in the Bioscience Laboratory of the UNAN-Managua. October 2011 - March - 2012

En el presente estudio se hizo una correlación entre la actividad antioxidante y la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles in vitro, de tres variedades de albahaca; Ocimun basilicum crispum, Ocimun basilicum sanctum, Ocimun basilicum minimun, esto con el objetivo de demostrar si la actividad antioxidante depende directamente de la concentración de polifenoles a través de la aplicación de la técnica estadística de correlación de Pearson R2, buscando con ello dar una respuesta con bases científicas a la población que consume esta planta con fines terapéuticos o culinarios. Para determinar la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles se estandarizó el método de Folin-Ciocalteau expresando los resultados en µg/ml de acido gálico equivalente (AGE) y conjuntamente para la actividad antioxidante el método de decoloración del radical 2, 2-difenil, 1-picrilhidracilo (DPPH), expresado en porcentaje de decoloración. Las subespecies de albahaca analizadas demostraron un alto contenido de actividad antioxidante y concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles. Los valores mas altos de la actividad antioxidante fueron de 94.07% para la subespecie Ocimun basilicum minimun, en relación a las otras subespecies de albahaca, para la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles nos indica un valor de 448.66 µg/ml de AGE para la subespecie Ocimun basilicum mínimun. Con el análisis de estos resultados de acuerdo a la determinación del coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, se destaca que no existe ninguna relación entre la actividad antioxidante y la concentración de polifenoles libres y solubles, ya que muchos de estos polifenoles presentes en la albahaca no poseen tanta actividad antioxidante.

Efeitos do uso de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L) no perfil bioquímico de ratos Wistar / Effects of the use of basil (Ocimum basilicum L) in biochemical profile of Wistar rats

Objetivo - O manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) é uma planta comumente utilizada na culinária e tem sido apontado pelas suas propriedades benéficas à saúde, possuindo importantes efeitos antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórios e hepato-protetores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da administração de manjericão (Ocimum basilicum L.) no perfil bioquímico de ratos. Método - Trinta ratos machos da linhagem Wistar foram utilizados. Os ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos de 10 animais e receberam tratamentos ad libitum por um período de trinta dias. O primeiro grupo (G1) recebeu água ad libitum, o segundo e terceiro grupos (G2 e G3) receberam infusão de manjericão nas concentrações de 20g/L e 40g/L, respectivamente. Foram feitas análises de glicemia, colesterol total, HDL-c, triglicerídeos, proteína C reativa (PCR), creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e alanina aminotransferase (ALT). Resultados - A utilização do Ocimum basilicum L. promoveu redução de 37,44% no índice de colesterol total e de 34,55% nos níveis de triglicerídeos, e aumento de 39% nos níveis de HDL-c em relação ao grupo controle. Considerando a glicemia houve redução de 11,40% e 19,36% utilizando concentrações de 20 g/L e 40 g/L do manjericão, respectivamente. Não houve alteração significativa nos níveis de creatinina, PCR e enzimas hepáticas. Conclusão - Os resultados sobre as variáveis bioquímicas são promissores, visto que as alterações podem beneficiar indivíduos em condições de hipercolesterolemia e hiperglicemia, auxiliando na prevenção e tratamento de distúrbios crônico-degenerativos. Sugere-se que novos estudos sejam realizados, como a análise de toxicidade da infusão de manjericão em ratos Wistar e determinação dos constituintes químicos da infusão.

Objective - Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a plant commonly used in culinary and it has been indicated for their beneficial health properties, such as significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepato-protective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) by oral administration in the biochemical profile of rats. Method - Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided in three groups of 10 animals, and were fed ad libitum for 30 days. The first group (G1) received water ad libitum, the second and third groups (G2 and G3) received an infusion of basil at concentrations of 20 g/L and 40 g/L, respectively. Levels of glucose, total cholesterol, HDL-C, triglycerides, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were analyzed. Results - The use of O. basilicum L. decreased 37.44% in cholesterol levels and 34.55% in triglyceride levels, and increased 39.00% in HDL-c levels. Whereas the blood glycemic decreased 11.40% and 19.36% using concentrations of 20g/L and 40g/L of basil, respectively. There was no significant modification in creatinine levels, CRP and liver enzymes. Conclusion - The results show that O. basilicum L. can be helpful to prevent hyperglycemia and dyslipidemias but further studies should be done, such as the toxic analysis of basil infusion in male Wistar rats and the determination of the chemical constituents of the infusion.

Actividad citotóxica del aceite esencial presente en la hoja de Ocimmun basilicum (albahaca) mediante el bioensayo con Artemia salina, Marzo 2010 / Cytotoxic activity of the essential oil present in the Ocimmun leaf basilicum (basil) through the bioassay with Artemia salina, March 2010

El presente estudio trata de determinar la actividad citotóxica del aceite esencial presente en la hoja de Ocimmun basilicum (albahaca) mediante el bioensayo de Artemia salina. Se extrae el aceite esencial presente en la hoja de Ocimmun basilicum a través de la técnica de arrastre por vapor, se identificar los principales componentes del aceite esencial presentes en la hoja de Ocimmun basilicum mediante cromatografía en capa fina y se obtiene el DL50 del aceite esencial mediante el bioensayo de Artemia salina.

Shigellocidal properties of three Nigerian medicinal plants: Ocimum gratissimum, Terminalia avicennoides, and Momordica balsamina.

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant shigellae is an important concern in the treatment of shigellosis in many developing countries, and other therapies, including herbal agents, may provide an important alternative to antimicrobial agents. In this study, three Nigerian medicinal plants: Ocimum gratissimum, Terminalia avicennoides, and Momordica balsamina were investigated for their activities against multidrug-resistant Shigella species isolated from patients with bacilliary dysentery in Lagos. Decoctions of O. gratissimum and concoctions of O. gratissimum and T. avicennoides at crude concentration of 3,000 micrograms/mL markedly inhibited the growth of all isolates tested. Zones of inhibition indicating susceptibilities of the organisms varied from 18.3 to 21.5 mm for Shigella dysenteriae, 15.3 to 16.3 mm for S. flexneri, 18.8 to 19.3 mm for S. sonnei, and 16.5 mm for S. boydii. Except S. flexneri, minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration revealed a higher shigellocidal property of O. gratissimum/T. avicennoides concoction than other extracts in S. dysenteriae (300-515.6 vs 337.5-1,312.5 micrograms/mL), S. sonnei (309.4-543.8 vs 403.1-1,312.5 micrograms/mL), and S. boydii (243.8-337.5 vs 253-1,312.5 micrograms/mL). O. gratissimum showed a greater shigellocidal effect against the S. flexneri isolates, while extracts of M. balsamina possessed low shigellocidal potential. The results suggest that aqueous extracts of O. gratissimum and T. avicennoides as decoctions and concoctions could be useful in the treatment of shigellosis and should be clinically evaluated specially in Nigerian region.

Mechanism of action of antiinflammatory effect of fixed oil of Ocimum basilicum Linn.

Fixed oil of O. basilicum was found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against carrageenan and different other mediator-induced paw edema in rats. Significant inhibitory effect was also observed in castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats. It also inhibited arachidonic acid- and leukotriene-induced paw edema. The results of antiinflammatory activity of O. basilicum support the dual inhibition of arachidonate metabolism as indicated by its activity in inflammation models that are insensitive to selective cyclooxygenase inhibitors. On the basis of these findings, it possible to conclude that O. basilicum may be a useful antiinflammatory agent which block both cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonic acid metabolism.

Evaluation of gastric anti-ulcer activity of fixed oil of Ocimum basilicum Linn. and its possible mechanism of action.

Fixed oil of O. basilicum was found to possess significant antiulcer activity against aspirin, indomethacin, alcohol, histamine, reserpine, serotonin and stress-induced ulceration in experimental animal models. Significant inhibition was also observed in aspirin-induced gastric ulceration and secretion in pylorus ligated rats. The lipoxygenase inhibiting, histamine antagonistic and antisecretory effects of the oil could probably contribute towards antiulcer activity. O. basilicum fixed oil may be considered to be a drug of natural origin which possesses both antiinflammatory and anti-ulcer activity.

Comparative evaluation of antiinflammatory potential of fixed oil of different species of Ocimum and its possible mechanism of action.

Ocimum sanctum fixed oil and linolenic acid found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. The other species of Ocimum, viz. O. basilicum and O. americanum also containing linolenic acid in varying proportions, also showed significant inhibition of edema against carrageenan, PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. The fixed oil of O. basiliaum containing maximum percentage of linolenic acid showed higher protection. The results suggests that linolenic acid percent in the fixed oils of different species of Ocimum has the capacity to block both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism and could be responsible for the antiinflammatory activity.

Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of fatty acids of Ocimum sanctum fixed oil.

Ocimum sanctum fixed oil and linolenic acid were found to possess significant antiinflammatory activity against PGE2, leukotriene and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema. Plant lipids like linseed oil and soyabean oil containing linolenic acid when tested along with O. sanctum fixed oil, also showed significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema. The results suggest that linolenic acid present in O. sanctum fixed oil has the capacity to block both the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways of arachidonate metabolism and could be responsible for the antiinflammatory activity of the oil.

Chemical and pharmacological studies on fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum.

Gas liquid chromatographic analysis of fixed oil of O. sanctum revealed the presence of five fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids). The triglyceride fraction of the oil showed higher protection compared to fixed oil against carrageenam-induced paw edema and acetic acid-induced writhings in rats and mice, respectively. The pharmacological activity of the fixed oil could be attributed to its triglyceride fraction or the fatty acids.

Radioprotective effect of leaf extract of Indian medicinal plant Ocimum sanctum.

Water or aqueous ethanol extract of O. sanctum was given ip, either as a single dose or multiple doses, before a whole-body exposure to 11 Gy(LD100/30) of 60Co gamma radiation in albino mice. The water extract was more effective and less toxic than the aqueous ethanol extract. An optimum ip dose of 50 mg/kg (< 1/100 LD50) of the water extract, at 10 mg/kg/day for 5 consecutive days, gave the maximum survival. Increasing the dose per treatment or the number of treatments did not increase protection. Intraperitoneal administration gave the best protection (70% survival). Other routes (im, iv and po) were less effective and produced 37-47% survival. The optimum dose (ip) gave a dose modifying factor of 1.28. Since the extract may contain a number of chemical compounds, it is not possible to attribute the observed protection to any particular compound at present.