Abstract 405: Therapeutic Potential of Oscimum Tenuiflorum in Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background Current experimental and clinical studies show that Oscimum tenuiflorum (commonly known as basil or Tulsi) possess many health benefits. Oscimum is also suggested to be anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory. Eugenol, an ortho-methoxy phenol, is one of its components. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an oxidative enzyme, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. MPO dependent oxidation of lipoproteins has been implicated in foam cell formation, dysfunctional HDL and abnormalities in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). In this study we tested whether eugenol and basil extract could inhibit the oxidation of lipoproteins (LDL & HDL) by MPO. Hypothesis Whole leaf extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum and eugenol would inhibit the oxidation of LDL and HDL by myeloperoxidase and by copper. Methods Basil leaf extract was prepared with water, lyophilized and reconstituted in water. Lipoproteins (LDL & HDL) were isolated from human plasma and their oxidation was performed using copper or MPO in the presence or absence of the basil extract and eugenol. MPO activity was measured using guaiacol and TMB as substrates. Results Basil extract and eugenol inhibited MPO enzyme activity against synthetic substrates. In addition, they also inhibited the oxidation of LDL and HDL both by copper and MPO, as measured by conjugated diene formation, TBARS formation, as well as by electrophoretic mobility assays. Conclusion In lieu of the reported anti-inflammatory properties of basil leaves, and the importance of oxidative and inflammatory pathways in atherosclerosis, such simple non-pharmacological agents could prove to be valuable adjunt therapeutic agents in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.