Basil Leaves (Ocimum sanctum linn.) Extract Decreases Total Cholesterol Levels in Hypercholesterolemia Sprague Dawley Rats Model

Abstract

Hypercholesterolemia is closely related to the severity of atherosclerosis which is one of the factors in the occurrence of cardiovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease is one third of all cases of death worldwide including in Indonesia. The death rate caused by cardiovascular disease is expected to continue to increase until 2030. One of the natural foods that has the potential to reduce cholesterol is the basil leaf (Ocimum sanctum linn.). The content of polyphenol compounds such as flavonoids and tannins in basil leaves can reduce total cholesterol levels and inhibit fat oxidation which is the cause of atherosclerosis. This study aims to analyse the effect of the basil leaves extract on cholesterol levels in Hypercholesterolemia Sprague Dawley rats. Thirty six Sprague Dawley rats aged 8 weeks, weighing 150-200 g, were divided into 6 groups, namely P1) Normal rats, not treated (negative control), P2) Rats induced with High Fat Diet (HFD) without treatment, P3) Rats induced with HFD and intervened using statin medication of 0.18 mg/kgBW (positive control), P4) Rats induced with HFD with the basil leaves extract dose of 20 mg/kgBW/day, P5) Mice induced with HFD with the basil leaves extract dose of 40 mg/kgBW/day, P6) Rats induced with HFD with the basil leaves extract dose of 80 mg/kgBW/day. The treatment lasted for 7 days. Collected data were analized using the one way ANOVA test and LSD post hoc test. The data showed that the basil leaf extract at a dose of 20 mg/kgBW/day, 40 mg/kgBW/day, and 80 mg/kgBW/day can reduce cholesterol levels significantly (P<0.005). The effect of reducing cholesterol levels depends on the dose of the basil leaves extract (dose dependent), with that the highest dose has the same effect as the positive control group (KP). In conclusion, Basil leaf extract with a dose of 20 mg/kgBW/day, 40 mg/kgBW/day and 80 mg/kgBW/day for 7 days can reduce cholesterol levels.