Abstract
Ocimum canum is a plant that is commonly used in many parts of SubSaharan Africa to treat ailments such as infection, discomfort, and diarrhea. The study was aimed to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity of Ocimum canum on the heart, lipid profile and feed consumption in Wister rats after oral administration of the leaf extract. Animals of either sexes were chosen. Group 1 received distilled water (10 ml/kg), while groups 2, 3, and 4 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of Ocimum canum, respectively. Animals were kept in conventional cages and provided oral access to the extract, water, and food for 28 days before being weighed and slaughtered. Blood was drawn via heart puncture and immediately sent for hematological and chemopathological investigation. The plant's histological cardiotoxic potential was investigated using the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. There was a significant (P<0.05) drop in RBC, HGB, and MCV, but no change in neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, or platelets. The extract did not cause a significant (P<0.05) change in cholesterol, LDL, or triglyceride levels, but it did induce a substantial increase in HDL levels. Histological examination of cardiac tissue confirms other parameters. The results indicated that the plant may not be cardiotoxic.
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