The aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves ameliorates acetic acid-induced colitis via improving antioxidant status and hematological parameters in male Wistar rats

Abstract

The beneficial effects of Ocimum gratissimum, have been attributed mainly to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves (AEOGL) on acetic acid induced colitis in male rats. Twenty male Wistar rats, 100–180 g were divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (control) (n = 5) received 2 ml/kg of distilled water for 21 consecutive days. Group 2 (n = 5) received 2 ml of 6% acetic acid solution once intra rectally for induction of colitis. Group 3 and 4 (n = 5 each) were treated as group 2 and thereafter received AEOGL orally at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day respectively for 20 consecutive days. All the animals from each group were sacrificed 24 h after the induction of colitis and administration of AEOGL. The diarrhea score, ulcer score, hematological parameters, nitric oxide (NO), myeloperoxidase (MPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) markers and histopathological alteration were evaluated. Acetic acid-induced colitis significantly caused alteration in diarrhea score, ulcer score, hematological parameters, MPO and SOD activities, NO and GSH levels (p < 0.05). It induced significant inflammation of the colonic tissue. AEOGL administration significantly decreased diarrhea score and ulcer score to normal (p < 0.05). It prevented alteration effect of acetic acid on hematological parameters and significant decreases the activities of MPO, SOD, NO and increase GSH levels (p < 0.05) in colitis rats. In conclusion, Ocimum gratissimum leaves possesses ameliorative effects against acetic acid-induced colitis as a consequence of its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.