Ocimum gratissimum

To evaluate the effect of methanolic extract of leaves of Ocimum gratissimum linn. on neutrophil phagocytic function. Were we used different concentrations (50,100,200μg/ml) of methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum was subjected to study its effect on different in-vitro methods of phagocytosis. such as neutrophil locomotion, chemotaxis, immunostimulant activity of phagocytosis of killed Candida albicans and qualitative Nitro Blue Tetrazolium test using human neutrophils. This preliminary study revealed that Ocimum gratissimum extract has stimulated chemotactic, phagocytic and intracellular killing potency of human neutrophils at the different concentration. From the results obtained it can be observed that the methanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves stimulates cell-mediated immune system by increasing neutrophil function phagocytic activity.

The leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) and Vernonia amygdalina (VA) had been of medicinal interest mainly due to their respective antioxidant and antihyperglycaemic properties. A daily dose of 0.5gKg-1 body weight aqueous leaf extracts of OG, VA and 50:50 (OG+VA) was orally administered to three different rabbit groups for 28 days, fed ad libitum. The control group was given only 2mlKg-1 of normal saline daily. Fasting blood glucose concentration was monitored with a digital glucometer. From the SPSS (version 15) multivariate analysis (p=.05), results showed that the mean fasting blood glucose concentrations of normal rabbits used was 5.98±0.5 mMolL-1. Only VA lowered fasting blood glucose within 24 hours and maintained the hypoglycaemia for 72 hours; VA potentiated OG after 72 hours and later synergistically lowered fasting blood glucose concentration. This study suggested that VA and (OG+VA) were time-dependent hypoglycaemic: while consumption of VA had acute effect, (OG+VA) could preferably be used for longer prophylaxis of diabetes. Therefore, further researches are recommended on the efficacy of this herbal combination therapy.

Treatment of myocardial infarction (MI) has undergone major advances in recent years, including reductions in mortality and hospital stays. Cardioprotective effects Ocimum gratissimum fresh leaves were evaluated in rat model having acute MI induced by Musa acuminata. Eating bananas on an empty stomach is not good to the health, because when stomach is empty, there is nearly no food in the stomach that can be digested. If this movement eats bananas, it will speed up the stomach's movement and the promotion of blood circulation, to increase the heart load. It is very easy to induce the myocardial infection. Adult male rats were divided into 4 groups. 3 groups receive Musa acuminata (banana) and 1 group Test drug. Cardio toxicity, evident from increased activities of Serum Creatine phosphokinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Aspartate Transaminase and Alanine Transaminase in Musa acuminata administered rats, and it was reversed by Ocimum gratissimum treatment. Musa acuminata administered rat show abnormal levels of SOD, Catalase along with high Malondialdehyde levels. The results of biochemical observation of serum and heart tissue were supplemented by histopathological examinations of rat heart sections to confirm the myocardial injury. These findings highlight the efficacy of Ocimum gratissimum as a Cytoprotectant in Musa acuminata induced cardio toxicity.