Biochemical and histological studies on the possible protective impact of the herb basil (Ocimum basilicum) on adriamycin induced toxicity in rats. I. Influence on the liver.

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of basil (Ocimum basilicum) against hepatotoxicity induced in albino rats by the anticancer drug adriamycin (ADR). The biochemical results showed that adriamycin caused significant elevation in serum ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate aminotransferase) enzymes after 4, 6 and 8 weeks of treatment. It also caused an increase in malondialdehyde (lipid peroxidation marker) and decrease in activities of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase. This drug has resulted in various histological changes in the liver. These changes include impairment of the normal structural organization of the hepatic lobules, congestion and dilatation of blood vessels, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes, leucocytic infiltrations and fatty infiltration. Treating animals with ADR and basil (Ocimum basilicum) led to an improvement in both biochemical and histological changes induced by ADR. There are significant decreases in ALT and AST activity. Moreover, Ocimum basilicum reduced the level of malondialdehyde and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase. In conclusion the results of the present work indicated that Ocimum basilicum had a protective effect against liver damage induced by adriamycin and this is due to antioxidant activities of some substances found in water extract of Ocimum basilicum.