Aqueous Extract of the Leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae) (False Basil) as an Alternative to the Chemical Antibiotics Used in Breeding Cobb-500 Broiler Chickens in the Department of Azaguie, Côte d’Ivoire

In order to propose a plant extract as an alternative to the use of antibiotics used in broiler breeding, an experimental study was carried out in the department of Azaguié and the choice fell on the aqueous extract leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L (EAOG). To achieve this objective, fifty (50) broiler chicks of Cobb-500 strains were divided into two (02) batches of twenty-five (25) each. Thus, batch I received only the aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum L., while batch II received the prophylaxis recommended for rearing in this locality. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids and catechin tannins in Ocimum gratissimum L. The acute toxicity study carried out on broilers showed that EAOG is not toxic by the oral route in a single dose at a dose of 2000 mg/kg BW. The EAOG caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in the live weight of the treated chickens compared to the controls. In addition, the results showed a significant reduction in the mortality rate and feed conversion ratio of chickens treated with EAOG compared to controls. Finally, concerning the biochemical and leukocyte parameters, the results showed a significant increase in the levels of urea and AST, lymphocytes, white blood cells, neutrophils and basophils of chickens treated with the extract compared to those treated with the usual antibiotics. The aqueous extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum could be recommended to poultry farmers as an alternative to the usual antibiotics.

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.

Albahaca: Composición química y sus beneficios en salud

Las plantas medicinales se han utilizado tradicionalmente en la medicina popular debido a sus reconocidos efectos curativos naturales. Se estima que alrededor de dos tercios de la población mundial utilizan la medicina tradicional para sus necesidades médicas primarias. La albahaca (Ocimum basilicum L.) es uno de los principales cultivos herbáceos del mundo que ha mostrado componentes que pueden ser beneficiosos para el tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares, trastornos inflamatorios y disminución del riesgo de cáncer. Este artículo presenta una revisión acerca de la planta y semillas de albahaca desde el 2010 a la fecha, con el objetivo de identificar la composición química (macronutrientes-proteínas, lípidos, carbohidratos; compuestos volátiles y polifenoles) y sus beneficios para la salud en función de la evidencia en humanos, modelo in vivo e in vitro. La literatura reciente muestra que las hojas y semillas de albahaca son una buena fuente de ácidos grasos α-linolénico, aceite y polifenoles con propiedades antioxidantes y antiinflamatorias que afectaría de forma favorable en la salud, restaurando la homeostasis en diversas patologías. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha, no se han dilucidado por completo los mecanismos moleculares involucrados.

Medicinal plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine for their natural healing effects. It is estimated that around two-thirds of the world's population uses traditional medicine for their primary medical needs. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the main herbal crops in the world that has shown components that can be beneficial for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory disorders, and decreased risk of cancer. This article presents a review of the state of the art about the basil plant and seeds from 2010 to date, with the aim of identifying the chemical composition (macronutrients-proteins, lipids, carbohydrates; volatile compounds and polyphenols) and its benefits on health based on evidence in humans, in vivo and in vitro models. Recent literature shows that basil leaves and seeds are a good source of α-linolenic fatty acids, essential oils and polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that would have a favorable impact on health, restoring homeostasis in various pathologies. However, to date, the molecular mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated.

Actividad insecticida de aceites esenciales sobre Blatella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae) / nsecticidal activity of essential oils against Blatella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Blattella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) es una especie de cucaracha considerada plaga de la salud pública por estar asociada a gran número de microorganismos causantes de enfermedades al hombre. Para su control se utilizan diferentes tipos de formulaciones a base de insecticidas sintéticos a los cuales en su gran mayoría es resistente. En este contexto existe un interés creciente por los insecticidas botánicos. En el siguiente trabajo se evaluaron los aceites de Citrus aurantium (L.,1753), Ocimum basilicum (L.,1753), Piper aduncum subsp ossanum (C.DC. Saralegui) y Eucalyptus globulus (Labill, 1800) mediante aplicación tópica de un microlitro en el primer esternito abdominal de los individuos. Los cuatro aceites mostraron actividad insecticida sobre adultos de B. germanica con CL50 que oscilaron entre 58 µg/µL para O. basilicum y 250 µg/µL para P. aduncum(AU)´

Blattella germanica (Linneaus, 1767) is a cockroach species considered a public health pest, since it is associated with a great number of disease-causing microorganisms in humans. For its control, different types of synthetic-based insecticidal formulations are used, to which it is mostly resistant. In this context, there is a growing interest in botanical insecticides. In this research, oils from Citrus aurantium (L., 1753), Ocimum basilicum (L., 1753), Piper aduncum subsp. ossanum (C.DC. Saralegui), and Eucalyptus globulus (Labill, 1800) were evaluated by topical application of 1 µL to the first abdominal sternum of the individuals. The four essential oils evaluated showed insecticidal activity against adult B. germanica with LC50 ranging from 58µg/µL for O. basilicum to 250µg/µL for P. aduncum(AU)´

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

Tithonia diversifolia Powder and Compost Ameliorate Plant Growth Parameters, Essential Oils, Phenols and Flavonoids Content and Anticandida Activity of Ocimum gratissimum L.

Aims: Ocimum gratissimum is an aromatic and medicinal plant, well known for its medicinal values such as antifungal properties. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of T. diversifolia powder and compost use as biofertilizer on the growth parameters, essential oil (EO), total phenolic and flavonoid content and anticandida activity of O. gratissimum. Study Design: O. gratissimum plants were cultivated for 8 months in an experimental farm designed as a split plot into 4 blocks. Each block was amended (main factor) either with T. diversifolia compost (150 g/plant), powder (40 g/plant) or the synthetic fertilizer NPK (10 g/plant), respectively, followed by sprayed (second factor) with same fertilizer at 20 g/L, 20 g/L and 2 g/L or water every two weeks after transplantation. The control block received no amendment and was sprayed with water or the previous fertilizer. Place and Duration of Study: This work was carried out within August 2019 to October 2020 in Yaoundé-Cameroon. Methodology: Plant growth parameters (fresh and dry leaves weight, florescent weight and plant height) were evaluated at four and eight months after transplantation. The harvested fresh leaves were hydrodistillated for EO and the hot aqueous extract. Both extracts were used for the evaluation of the anticandida activity while the latter was submitted to total flavonoids and phenolic analyses. Results: At 4 and 8 months after transplantation, the synthetic fertilizer and T. diversifolia compost significantly increased plant growth parameters as compared to other treatments. The plants treated with T. diversifolia biofertilizer compost showed the highest total phenolic (53.16 µg GAE/µL), flavonoid (36.32 µg// GAE/µL) content, and EO yield (0.666%). The EO from O. gratissimum treated with T. diversifolia compost showed the best inhibitory activity on C. albicans NR-29451. Conclusion: This study showed that T. diversifolia compost was a promising organic fertilizer in optimizing the growth, secondary metabolites and anticandida activity of O. gratissimum.

Effect of Spice form and Extraction Period on Total Phenolic Content of Selected Ugandan Spices

Introduction: Spice consumption is one of the globally recognized healthy nutritional practices. Most spices contain phenolic compounds that may prevent or prolong the onset of non-communicable diseases. The harvesting, processing and preparation procedures of such spices may influence the phenolic amount extracted and eventual biological availability. Literature about how extraction period and spice form affects total phenolic content yield in water infusions is scanty. Aim: This study determined the effect of spice form and length of extraction time on the total phenolic content (TPC) yield of the selected Ugandan spices infused in water. Methods: Samples of Ocimum gratissimum, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon citratus and Zingiber officinale, were collected in triplicates from Kanungu, Bushenyi and Lugazi Districts, in Uganda. Fresh and dry samples of these spices were infused in hot water for four minutes and 40 minutes and sieved with Whatman paper, No. 1. Phenolic content was measured with a spectrophotometer at Makerere University, Biochemistry Department, following Folin-ciocalteu method, using gallic acid as the reference standard. Results were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.1 software. Results: Higher TPC yield was generally observed in dry samples compared to the flesh ones and 40-minute extracts of both fresh and dry samples also had higher TPC content compared to the four minutes ones. The highest TPC yield was observed in Cymbopogon citratus (12.21±0.75 mg GAE/g) among the dry samples and Ocimum gratissimum (10.02±2.45 mg GAE/g) among the fresh samples, extracted for 40 minutes. Conclusion: Longer extraction time and sample dryness maximize TPC yield. Ocimum gratissimum and Cymbopogon citratus may benefit consumers by improving their antioxidant status.

Biomass and essential oil production of basil at recirculation intervals of nutrient solutions prepared with treated domestic effluents

Considering the growing water crisis, using wastewater helps reduce the pressure on good-quality water consumption. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the growth, production, and essential oil content of Alfavaca Basilicão and Grecco a Palla basil genotypes with a DFT (deep flow technique) hydroponic system adapted to PVC tubes at different recirculation intervals of nutrient solutions prepared with treated domestic effluents. The experiment was performed in a greenhouse with Alfavaca Basilicão and Grecco a Palla basil genotypes analyzed individually. It was a completely randomized design with four replicates in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme: two types of water (public-supply water and wastewater) and three recirculation intervals of nutrient solutions (2, 4, and 6 hours). At 35 days after transplanting, the study evaluated plant height, stem diameter, shoot fresh mass, shoot dry mass, water consumption, water use efficiency, and essential oil content and yield. The types of water did not significantly influence the variables of growth, production, and essential oil content of the basil genotypes. Basil cultivation with the DFT system in tubes is technically feasible with nutrient solutions prepared with treated domestic effluents and recirculation every 2 and 6 hours for Grecco a Palla and Alfavaca Basilicão genotypes, respectively. The means of essential oil content were 1.6 and 1.7% (v/m) for Alfavaca Basilicão and Grecco a Palla genotypes, respectively.

Physiological and metabolic alterations in basil (Ocimum basilicum L) varieties under distinct soil water levels / Alteraciones fisiológicas y metabólicas en variedades de albahaca (Ocimum basilicum L) bajo distintos niveles de agua del suelo

Basil (Ocimum basilicumL.) is a medicinal species used in several areas, such as food, medicines and cosmetics, and the understanding of its physiological behavior under environmental conditions is of paramount importance for the improvement of cultivation methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different water availability under physiological, biochemical and metabolic characteristics, in three distinct genotypes: 'Alfavaca basilicão', 'Gennaro de menta' and 'Grecco à palla', during two different phenological stages (vegetative and reproductive). It was found that the water deficit promotes physiological changes to tolerate water stress, and the studied genotypes have different routes to achieve this physiological tolerance, which culminates in a distinct accumulation of metabolites in plants, and can be considered interesting if the final product is the production of essential oils.

La albahaca (Ocimum basilicum L.) es una planta medicinal utilizada en varias áreas: alimenticia, medicinal e industria cosmética; es de suma importancia el entendimiento de su comportamiento fisiológico bajo diferentes condiciones ambientales con el fin de mejorar los procesos del cultivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia de diferentes disponibilidades hídricas en las características fisiológicas, bioquímicas y metabólicas en tres genotipos de albahaca: "Alfavaca basilicão", "Gennaro de menta" y "Grecco à palla" durante dos etapas fenológicas (vegetativa y reproductiva). Fue encontrado que el déficit hídrico promueve cambios fisiológicos con el fin de tolerar el estrés hídrico. Los genotipos estudiados presentaron diferentes rutas para alcanzar esta tolerancia fisiológica, la cual culmina con distintas acumulaciones de metabolitos en las plantas, y puede ser considerado interesante si el producto final es la producción de aceites esenciales.

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.

Toxicity of the essential oil of basil cultivars and hybrids and its repellent effect on stored grain pests / Toxicidade do óleo essencial de cultivares e híbridos de manjericão e seu efeito repelente sobre pragas de grãos armazenados

Essential oils have emerged as an alternative to synthetic insecticides in the control of stored grain pests. The toxicity and repellency of the essential oils of four basil cultivars and three basil hybrids and the monoterpenes linalool, citral, and (E)-methyl cinnamate were evaluated in the stored grain pests Callosobruchus maculatus and Sitophillus zeamais. The essential oils of the cultivar Genovese and the hybrid 'Genovese' x 'Maria Bonita' were more toxic to C. maculatus. Conversely, the essential oils of the cultivar Sweet Dani and the hybrid 'Cinnamom' x 'Maria Bonita' were more toxic to S. zeamais. Among the monoterpenes, (E)-methyl cinnamate was the most toxic to both pests, taking 0.14 and 0.34 µ L.mL-1 to kill 50% of the C. maculatus and S. zeamais populations, respectively. All essential oils from cultivars, hybrids, and monoterpenes were repellent to S. zeamais, except for (E)-methyl cinnamate. For C. maculatus, this effect was lower, being citral the most repellent compound. Results demonstrate the insecticidal potential of the essential oil of O. basilicum and its monoterpenes in the control of stored grain pests.

Os óleos essenciais surgem como alternativa aos inseticidas sintéticos no controle das pragas de grãos armazenados. A toxicidade e a repelência dos óleos essenciais de quatro cultivares e três híbridos de manjericão e dos monoterpenos linalol, citral e (E)-cinamato de metila foram avaliadas nas pragas de grãos armazenados Callosobruchus maculatus e Sitophillus zeamais. Os óleos essenciais da cultivar Genovese e do híbrido 'Genovese' x 'Maria Bonita' foram mais tóxicos para C. maculatus. Já para S. zeamais, os óleos essenciais das cultivar Sweet Dani e do híbrido 'Cinnamom' x 'Maria Bonita' apresentaram maior toxicidade. Dentre os monoterpenos, o (E)-cinamato de metila foi o mais tóxico para ambas as pragas. Foram necessários 0,14 e 0,34 µ L.mL-1 para matar 50% da população de C. maculatus e S. zeamais. Todos os óleos essenciais das cultivares, dos híbridos e dos monoterpenos foram repelentes a S. zeamais, com exceção do (E)-cinamato de metila. Já para C. maculatus, este efeito foi reduzido, sendo o citral o composto mais repelente. Nos resultados demonstram o potencial inseticida dos óleos essenciais de O. basilicum e seus monoterpenos para o controle de pragas de grãos armazenados.

Fungicidal potential of essential oils in control of Fusarium spp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum / Potencial fungicida de óleos essenciais no controle de Fusarium spp. e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

The use of highly toxic pesticides to control soil pathogens, such as Fusarium spp. and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum has generated concern, due to the irreversible impacts caused on the environment, in addition to selecting resistant isolates. In this way, essential oils appear as an efficient alternative in control of diseases. Facing the problem of soil pathogens control and high antimicrobial fungicide that essential oils present, this work aimed to evaluate the in vitro fungicidal potential of essential oils in control of Fusarium spp. and S. sclerotiorum. A completely randomized design, factorial scheme 2×4×8 was used, with two isolates (Fusarium spp. and S. sclerotiorum), four essential oils (Aloysia citriodora, Cymbopogon winterianus, Lippia alba and Ocimum americanum), eight essential oil concentrations (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2 and 1.4 ?L·mL-1), and ten replicates. The essential oils inhibited mycelial growth of the fungi in different concentrations, being their potential justified by the presence of antifungal chemical compounds. Essential oils of A. citriodora, C. winterianus, L. alba and O. americanum present high fungicidal potential, being viable alternatives for formulation of commercial products, boosting the pesticides industry.(AU)

O uso de pesticidas com alta toxicidade para controlar patógenos do solo, como Fusarium spp. e Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, tem gerado preocupação, devido aos impactos irreversíveis causados no meio ambiente, além de selecionar isolados resistentes. Dessa forma, os óleos essenciais surgem como uma alternativa eficiente no controle de doenças. Diante da problemática de controle de patógenos do solo e alto potencial antimicrobiano que os óleos essenciais possuem, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o potencial fungicida de óleos essenciais no controle de Fusarium spp. e S. sclerotiorum, in vitro. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente randomizado, esquema fatorial 2×4×8, com dois isolados (Fusarium spp. e S. sclerotiorum), quatro óleos essenciais (Aloysia citriodora, Cymbopogon winterianus, Lippia alba e Ocimum americanum) e oito concentrações de óleo essencial (0,0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6; 0,8; 1,0; 1,2 e 1,4 ?L·mL-1), com dez repetições. Os óleos essenciais inibiram o crescimento micelial dos fungos em diferentes concentrações, sendo seu potencial justificado pela presença de compostos químicos antifúngicos. Os óleos essenciais de A. citriodora, C. winterianus, L. alba e O. americanum apresentam alto potencial fungicida, sendo alternativas viáveis para formulação de produtos comerciais, impulsionando a indústria de agrotóxicos.(AU)

Comparative Antibacterial Analysis and Synergistic Potency of the Leaf Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. and Gongronema latifolium Benth. on Some Enteric Bacterial Isolates

The research was undertaken to investigate the comparative phytochemical and in-vitro antibacterial activity of the single and combined strengths of the leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Linn and Gongronema latifolium Benth. on some enteric bacterial isolates. The sensitivity test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were carried out using a modified agar-well diffusion method. The enteric bacterial isolates tested included Escherichia coli, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella Typhi and Enterobacter aerogenes. Standard methods were applied to obtain the ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts. The ethanol extracts of O. gratissimum and G. latifolium produced highly significant inhibitory activity against all the enteric bacterial isolates tested. Comparatively, the ethanol plant extracts were more potent than the commercially available drug, Ciprofloxacin and the aqueous plant extracts. The isolates were sensitive at a minimum inhibitory concentration of 1.25 mg/ml for the ethanol extract but varied from 2.5 mg/ml - 5.0mg/ml in the aqueous extract. It was also observed that the synergistic antibacterial effect of the medicinal plant extracts was greater than the singular antibacterial effect of the individual plant extracts in both the ethanol and aqueous extracts. The potency of the individual extracts and the combined effect may be due to the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins and saponins in the leaves of the plants. This study partly validates the use of the plant extracts in the treatment of disease caused by the enteric bacterial isolates by multiple traditional medicine practitioners in Nigeria, however, strict adherence to dosage is recommended. The leaf extract is a potential source of the new drug if the components are purified and enhanced for treating infections caused by these enteric pathogens.

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.

Comparative Proximate, Vitamin and Mineral Composition of Leaves of Four Selected Tropical Vegetable Plants Namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina

Aim: The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the proximate, vitamin and mineral composition of the leaves of four selected tropical vegetable plants namely: Ocimum gratissimum, Piper guineense, Gongronema latifolium and Vernonia amygdalina. Methodology: Fresh leaves of each vegetable were washed and air dried at room temperature for two weeks. The dried leaves were pulverized using a mechanical grinder. Measured amounts were subjected to quantitative proximate, vitamin and mineral analysis. Results: For all four plants, carbohydrates was the major macronutrient constituents (range 49.61-64.09% dry wt.) followed by fats (15.06-29.43%), Protein (7.28-12.53%), ash (1.81-14.82%) and fiber (2.92-7.53%) in that order. G. latifolium had the highest carbohydrate (64.09±0.09% dry weight) and protein (12.53±0.10%) composition while V. amygdalina had the highest fat (29.43±0.03%) composition. Results of Ash analysis of the four leaves showed P. guineense to have the highest total mineral content (14.82±0.12% dry wt.) followed by V. amygdalina (10.75±0.01%), O. gratissimum (4.60±0.04%) and G. latifolium (1.81±0.01%) in that order. O. gratissimum and P. guineense had the highest composition of fiber (7.53±0.02% and 7.22±0.02% respectively) closely followed by G. latifolium (6.03±0.02%) and V. amygdalina (2.92±0.02%). Vitamin analysis revealed that leaves of the four vegetable plants contained high levels of vitamin C (range 18.1-43.4 mg/100 g) and appreciable quantities of vitamins A (0.3-1.2 mg/100 g) and E (0.67-0.9 mg/100 g). V. amygdalina leaf contained the highest concentration of vitamin C (43.4±0.01 mg/100 g) and A (1.2±0.9 mg/100 g) while O. gratissimum had the highest vitamin E content (0.9 mg/100 g). The mineral assay indicated that the leaves of the plants contain high levels of Magnesium (Mg)(3.6-24.8 mg/100 g), Phosphorus (P) (2.8-34.3 mg/100 g), Calcium (Ca) (12.1-19.0 mg/100 g) and copper (Cu) (5.8-18.5 mg/100 g) relative to their Zinc (Zn) (1.1-2.1 mg/100 g), Potassium (K) (2.1-6.9 mg/100 g) and Sodium (Na) (4.3-8.1 mg/100 g) contents. Conclusion: In conclusion, these plants were shown to be rich in carbohydrates, proteins and fats, vitamins and minerals justifying their use in diets. That the plants were particularly rich in vitamins and mineral with antioxidant properties could explain the therapeutic uses of the various preparations of these leafy vegetables, in traditional medicine, for the treatment and management of diseases that have their etiology and pathophysiology in free radical generation and oxidative stress.

Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant potential of Ocimum gratissimum Linn (Lamiaceae) commonly consumed in the Republic of Benin

In the Benin pharmacopoeia, the use of Ocimum gratissimum Linn (Lamiaceae) based on the empiricalknowledge is widespread. The objective of this work is the matching of the virtues attributed to this plant in folkmedicine with the biomolecules present through a thorough phytochemical exploration. Standard screeningis based on the differential reactions of precipitation and staining. Phenolic compounds, total flavonoids,and condensed tannins were quantified by colorimetric Folin–Ciocalteu, AlCl3, and acid vanillin methods,respectively. Phenolic acids were investigated by the HPLC Ultimate 3000 chain and the antioxidant capacityevaluated by the ferric reducing antioxidant power method coupled with that of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl.Standard screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, anthracene derivatives, steroids, andterpenoids. The total contents of phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins were 56.59 mg gallic acid equivalent /100mg, 13.71 mgEQ/100 mg, and 8.6 mgEC/100 mg, respectively. For specific assays, three flavonoids (chrysin,isorhamnetin, and quercetin) and six phenolic acids (tannic, ellargic, ferrulic, syringic, chlorogenic, and caffeic)have been identified. The antioxidant activity ranges from 78.92 to 106.25 mmol. Ascorbic acid equivalent /gextract with free radical inhibition ranging from 5.24% to 76.59%. The 50% inhibitory concentration givinga value of 6.175 mg ml−1 is greater than that of the pure molecule. The presence of these phytocompoundsendowed with antiradical power testifies to the medicinal potentialities of O. gratissimum. These resultsconfirm the empirical use of O. gratissimum in this study area

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.

Effects of Aqueous Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaves and Vitamin C on Lead Acetate-induced Changes in the Thymus of Adult Wistar Rats

Lead is a heavy metal found in earth’s crust. It is a widespread and insidious environmental toxin known as a severe and aggressive contaminant to human and animal organisms’ health status.This work is aimed at evaluating the effect of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) on lead induced changes in the thymus of adult albino wistar rats.Thirty five male Wistar rats were used in the study and were randomly divided into seven groups with five rats in eachgroup. The rats in Group one (G1) served as the Control and received distilled water. Group 2 received 120 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of lead acetate, G3 received 375mg/kg bwt of OG only. G4 received 120 mg/kg bwtof lead acetate and OG extract at 375 mg/kg bwt., G5 received 120 mg/kg bwt of lead and OG at 750 mg/kg bwt. G6 received 375mg/kg bwt of OG in two weeks followed by120 mg/kg bwt of lead acetate for one week, while G7 received 120 mg/kg bwt of lead acetate and Vitamin C at 11900mg/kg. All the administrations were carried out orally for twenty one (21) days. At the end of the administration, the rats were fasted for 24 hours. They weighted and humanely sacrificed via cervical dislocation.The thymus were harvested in all the groups and prepared for histological studies using routine haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining techniques. The result of the present study shows that lead possessed a distortive effect in the histoarchitecture of thymus of the wistarrat in G2 when compared with G1. Treatment of these experimental animals with vitamin C prove to posses more ameliorative effect in restoring the histoarchitecture on lead toxicity in the thymus closed to normal than OG.Therefore, it is suggested that aqueous extract OG can act via the same pathway as vitamin C, in maintaining the normal histological structures of the thymus of adult albino wistar rat exposed to lead toxicity

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.