Ameliorative Effect of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf extract Against Phenylhydrazine‐Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on haematological and biochemical parameters of phenylhydrazine‐induced toxicity in rats. The experimental rats were divided into five (5) groups of six (12) rats each (6 males and 6 females placed in different cages). The test groups (Groups B to E) were induced intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg phenylhydrazine each for two consecutive days. Group A served as normal control and received orally 0.25 ml/kg of distilled water as placebo, while group B (negative control) was left untreated. Groups C, D and E received orally 5 mg/kg ferrous sulphate, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg aqueous extract of O. gratissimum respectively for 14 days. In the acute toxicity, the LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg body weight. There were significant decrease (p<0.05) in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in the extract treated groups while aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), bilirubin, urea, creatinine, potassium ion (K+) significantly increased (p<0.05) in the negative control. High density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations statistically increased (p<0.05) in the extract groups (C, D and E) when compared to the negative control. Red blood cell indices, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentrations (P< 0.05) significantly decreased in the negative control when compared to the extract treated groups in both male and female rats. The results show that aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum could have the potentials of ameliorating the metabolic distortions in haematology, hepatorenal and lipid profile inflicted by phenylhydrazine. Thus, the extract could be of a good therapeutic use and safe for consumption at the tested doses.Support or Funding InformationI received funding from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Nigeria to attend this conference