Extract Of Ocimum Gratissimum Research Articles

Selected Toxicity Study on Ethanolic Extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) Leaves in Letrozole-Induced Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Wistar Rats

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic endocrine disorder that is common in women of reproductive age. Several synthetic drugs such as metformin are treatment options of PCOS but the side effects associated with the use of metformin have continued to limit their acceptability; Thus, necessitate the investigation of the safety of Ocimum gratissimum leaves in vivo. The toxicity of ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaf (EEOGL) at 50 and 100mg/kg body weight dosage on PCOS was investigated in female Wistar rats. Twenty female Wistar rats with an average weight of 170.81±5.25g were allocated into 5 groups (A-E) of four animals each: group A animals (control) received distilled water while the letrozole-induced (1mg/kg body weight (B.Wt)) rats- groups B, C, D, and We were administered distilled water, co-administration of 7.14mg/kg B.Wt of metformin and 2mg/kg B.Wt of clomiphene citrate, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of EEOGL for 21 days respectively. The liver and kidney function indices were determined after each rat was sacrificed and blood collected by jugular puncturing. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan multiple range test with statistical significance set at p<0.05. The result reveals a significant increase (p<0.05) and a significant decrease (p<0.05) at doses of 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg of EEOGL on kidney function indices as well as liver function indices respectively. Therefore, the administration of EEOGL at 50 and 100 mg/kg B.W. to letrozole-induced PCOS rats shows mild alterations in the assayed toxicological indices.

The effects of aqueous extract of ocimum gratissimum on the cerebellum of male wistar rats challenged by lead acetate

•Chronic lead acetate toxicity was induced in male rats by oral administration.•Effect of Ocimum gratissimum in lead acetate toxicity on the cerebellum.•Oral lead acetate administration led to oxidative stress in the cerebellum.•Ocimum gratissimum extract attenuated oxidative stress and enhanced antioxidant enzymes.•Ocimum gratissimum ameliorated lead acetate-induced toxicity in the cerebellum. ObjectivesLead acetate (LA) is a known toxicant, and its exposure in the environment has been on the increase in recent times, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. Based on this background, we investigated the role of the antioxidative properties of Ocimum gratissimum (OG), a potent medicinal plant, in ameliorating and protecting the brain from lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage via the assessment of oxidative stress parameters and brain histology.MethodsThirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 145–200g divided into five groups were used for this experimental study. Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as positive and negative controls and were administered sterile water, 252.98 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaves extract of OG and 120 mg/kg of LA for 21 days. Furthermore, following the administration of LA, rats in groups 4 and 5 were treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight of OG. OG and LA were administered orally for 42 days. Oxidative stress parameters, as well as histoarchitectural investigations following LA and OG treatment, were analysed.ResultsResults showed normal histoarchitecture of the cerebellum in control and group 2 animals (OG only). In group 3 animals that received LA only, we observed severe stages of neurodegenerative features in the Purkinje, granular cell molecular cell layers of the Cerebellum. Also, results from groups 4 and 5 rats that were co-administered with LA and OG revealed regenerative tendencies and an increase in the neuronal cell density of the cerebellum. Nevertheless, we recorded an increase in the brain content of malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant status (catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and sodium dismutase (SOD)) following LA administration. OG attenuated this heightened MDA activity and depletion of the antioxidant status.ConclusionOverall, these findings suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of OG improved cerebellar neurotoxicity and degeneration in rats exposed to LA by modulating oxidative damage. Lead acetate (LA) is a known toxicant, and its exposure in the environment has been on the increase in recent times, leading to oxidative stress and tissue damage. Based on this background, we investigated the role of the antioxidative properties of Ocimum gratissimum (OG), a potent medicinal plant, in ameliorating and protecting the brain from lead acetate-induced cerebellar damage via the assessment of oxidative stress parameters and brain histology. Thirty-five adult male Wistar rats weighing 145–200g divided into five groups were used for this experimental study. Groups 1, 2, and 3 served as positive and negative controls and were administered sterile water, 252.98 mg/kg body weight of aqueous leaves extract of OG and 120 mg/kg of LA for 21 days. Furthermore, following the administration of LA, rats in groups 4 and 5 were treated with 125 and 250 mg/kg body weight of OG. OG and LA were administered orally for 42 days. Oxidative stress parameters, as well as histoarchitectural investigations following LA and OG treatment, were analysed. Results showed normal histoarchitecture of the cerebellum in control and group 2 animals (OG only). In group 3 animals that received LA only, we observed severe stages of neurodegenerative features in the Purkinje, granular cell molecular cell layers of the Cerebellum. Also, results from groups 4 and 5 rats that were co-administered with LA and OG revealed regenerative tendencies and an increase in the neuronal cell density of the cerebellum. Nevertheless, we recorded an increase in the brain content of malondialdehyde and decreased antioxidant status (catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and sodium dismutase (SOD)) following LA administration. OG attenuated this heightened MDA activity and depletion of the antioxidant status. Overall, these findings suggest that oral administration of aqueous extract of OG improved cerebellar neurotoxicity and degeneration in rats exposed to LA by modulating oxidative damage.

Antidiabetic Potential of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina Combined Extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

This study evaluated the antidiabetic effect of the ethanolic combined extract of Ocimum gratissimum and Vernonia amygdalina (OGVA) in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The phytochemical content and safety level of OGVA in mice were assayed using standard methods and Lorke’s model of toxicity study, respectively. Graded OGVA doses were administered orally in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats for 21 days. Indices of diabetes, oxidative stress, and tissue histology were assessed using biochemical kits and standard methods. The presence of various phytochemicals was identified with saponins (51.20 ± 0.11 mg/100 g) and flavonoids (40.70 ± 0.65 mg/100 g) recorded as the highest. Streptozotocin-induction, significantly (P < 0.05) increased blood glucose (405.00 ± 3.65 mg/dl), aspartate aminotransferase (104.00 ± 6.57 U/l), alanine aminotransferase (90.70 ± 2.87 U/l), alkaline phosphatase (137.00 ± 4.18 U/l), urea (78.80 ± 2.04 mg/dl), and malondialdehyde concentration (5.03 ± 0.04 μmol/g) while animal weight, reduced glutathione (9.94 ± 0.75 μmol/g), superoxide dismutase (31.86 ± 0.61 U/g), and catalase (27.30 ± 0.38 μmol/min) were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Histopathologic alterations were also observed in the liver and kidney. Treatment with OGVA significantly (P < 0.05) improved these deleterious changes in diabetic rats. Oral administration of OGVA combined ethanolic leaf extract may alleviate diabetic-related biochemical alterations.

Ocimum gratissimum attenuates diabetes-induced biochemical and histomorphological gonado-alterations

There is a nexus between diabetes mellitus (DM) and sexual dysfunction in males. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) or scent leaf is commonly used to manage DM in traditional medicine. This study investigated testicular biochemical and histological alterations in normal and type 2 DM in vivo models, following administration of ethanol leaf extract of OG compared with standard hypoglycemic drugs Galvus (vildagliptin) and GalvusMet (vildagliptin-with-metformin). Type 2 DM was induced in Wistar rats using high fat diet and streptozotocin (50 mgkg−1 body weight [bw]). Animals were assigned into 8 groups of 10 rats each. Groups 1 and 2 served as normal and diabetic controls respectively, which received 2 mL of 10% Tween 80 kg−1bw. Groups 3 and 4 (normoglycemic) received OG 122.47 and 244.94 mgkg−1bw respectively, which were also received by diabetic groups 5 and 6 in that order. Diabetic groups 7 and 8 received Galvus and GalvusMet (0.714 and 15 mgkg−1bw) respectively. Leaf extracts generally increased levels of follicle stimulating hormone of test rats when compared with controls. Testicular superoxide dismutase and glutathione concentrations of non-diabetic rats were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in comparison with diabetics. Malondialdehyde concentrations of extract-administered diabetic groups were lower than those of diabetics treated with standard drugs. Active sperm counts and motility increased in diabetic groups given drug/extract, when compared with diabetic control. Testicular histology showed severe spermatogenic cell distortions in diabetic control, which were ameliorated by drug or extract. OG extract stimulates spermatogenesis and ameliorates germinal epithelial distortions caused by DM.

Antimicrobial and synergistic potential of Ocimum gratissimum leaves and Petiveria alliacea bark against some selected microorganisms

Background: This study was carried out to investigate the antimicrobial and synergistic potential of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and bark of Petiveria alliacea against some tested bacterial and fungal isolates. Fresh and matured leaves of Ocimum gratissimum and bark of Petiveria alliacea were collected from the Institute of Agriculture, Research and Training, Ibadan, Nigeria. The specimens were identified at the Herbarium unit of the Department of Botany, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. The pathogenic organisms used include bacteria namely, Providencia stuartii, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium Pyogenes, Streptococcus faecalis, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescence, Serratia rubidae, Proteus mirabilis, Salmonella pullorum; and fungi namely, Trychophyton tonsurans, Candidia albicans, Trychophyton rubrum, Penicillium expansium, Alternaria sp, Fusarium sp, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Penicillium camenberti. Methods: Pure isolates of the tested microorganisms were obtained from the department of microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. The bacterial isolates were maintained on nutrient agar slant and the fungal isolates were on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Antimicrobial sensitivity test (AST) followed by Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute. Minimal bactericidal and fungicidal concentrations were determined following established protocols. Results: Fungal isolates of Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium expansiumm, Trychophyton rubrum, and bacterial isolates Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Salmonella pullorum were all resistant to the plant extract. Findings from this study opined that ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves is more potent than the methanolic and aqueous extracts of Petiveria alliacea. Conclusion: The plant extracts showed greater antimicrobial activity against bacterial- with respect to fungal isolates suggesting a broader spectrum of activity with ethanolic extract on the gram-positive and the gram-negative bacteria.

W148 Effects of methanolic extract of vernonia amygdalina (MEVA) and ocimum gratissimum (MEOG) on blood pressure, blood volume, and angiotensin converting enzyme activities in hypertensive male wistar rats

W148 Effects of methanolic extract of vernonia amygdalina (MEVA) and ocimum gratissimum (MEOG) on blood pressure, blood volume, and angiotensin converting enzyme activities in hypertensive male wistar rats

T286 Phytochemical, mineral analysis and antioxidative effect of methanolic extract of ocimum gratissimum in hypertensive male wistar rats

T286 Phytochemical, mineral analysis and antioxidative effect of methanolic extract of ocimum gratissimum in hypertensive male wistar rats

Larvicidal Efficacy of Aqueous Extracts of Leaf of Ocimum gratissimum and Bark of Terminalia catappa against Aedes sp

The resistance of vectors to conventional insecticides has resulted in a renewed attention to natural products such as botanicals as a means of controlling mosquito vector population seeing that they are readily available and are eco-friendly. This study investigated the larvicidal efficacy of aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum (leaf) and Terminalia catappa (bark) against Aedes sp. larvae and the evaluation of the phytochemical constituents present in them. The extracts were tested on laboratory bred Aedes sp. larvae at different concentrations (500, 750 and 1000ppm) at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Data was analysed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The mortalities of the extracts were observed to increase with increase in concentration and time of exposure. Larval mortality recorded at 72 hrs of exposure to 1000ppm of O gratissimum and T. catappa were 46.7% and 13.3% respectively. LC50 and LC90 values at 72 hrs were 1017.70 and 1372.10ppm respectively for O. gratissimum and 4043.60 and 15678.10ppm for T. catappa. While only steroids were identified as the phytochemicals present in T. catappa, those identified in O. gratissimum include alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and tannins. The efficacy of both study plant extracts showed promising larvicidal potency. This is useful considering the current drive on Integrated Vector Management in controlling mosquito vector species on many fronts.

Antimicrobial Activity of Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium Synergy on Common Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria

The search for antimicrobial agents from natural sources such as diverse plant species against foodborne pathogens has less side effect than chemically synthesized compounds. In this study, antimicrobial activity of ethanolic extract, hot and cold aqueous extracts of Vernonia amygdalina, Ocimum gratissimum and Gongronema latifolium was tested against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes. The leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina did not show antimicrobial activity against the test isolates. The diameter of zone of inhibition shown by ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and Ocimum gratissimum against S. aureus is 12.0±1 mm and 10±2 mm, respectively. With regards to ethanolic leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium and Ocimum gratissimum, the diameter of zone of inhibition demonstrated against L. monocytogenes and E. coli is 18.0±2 mm and 6.0±1 mm, respectively. A synergistic ethanolic or aqueous extracts of the leaves did not show antimicrobial activity against the test isolates. However, ethanolic extracts of Gongronema latifolium and Ocimum gratissimum used separately is an effective antimicrobial agent the test isolates.

Therapeutic Effect of Antioxidant Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum on Liver Toxicity Model in Rats

Background:Lead harms haematological, biochemical, and hepatic parameters, hence studies have concentrated on antioxidants with therapeutic potentials. Objective: Induced hepatotoxicity and hemato-biochemical parameters in adult Wistar rats with Ocimum Gratissimum extract. Methodology: 42 adult Wistar rats were divided into seven groups of five. Group A was the control, Group B had 120 mg/kg lead, and Group C got 300 mg/kg OG. D and E had 120 mg/kg lead before 300 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg OG. Group F had 300 mg OG extract, then 120 mg lead, whereas Group G got 120 mg lead and 1000 mg ascorbic acid. The animals were then slaughtered and blood and liver tissues were taken for biochemical and histological investigation. Results: The outcome revealed a rise in Control but a drop in B. ALT, AST, GGT, and ALP levels were higher in Group B than in Control and other treatment groups (p≤ 0.05). As in Groups D, E, F, and G, histological investigation of liver tissues revealed degenerative alterations with localised necrosis and aggregated inflammatory cells in B. Conclusion: The extract of OG has the potential to be employed as a medicinal agent in the treatment of lead poisoning. Keywords: Hepatobiochemical; Lead; Liver; Ocimum gratissimum; Wistar rats; Parameters

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Selected Medicinal Plant Leaf Extracts Against Pathogens Implicated in Poultry Diseases.

Antimicrobial resistant poultry pathogens are responsible for treatment failure and economic losses, and can also be a source of resistant zoonotic infections representing a risk to human health. In 2006 the European Union banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animals and other regions are likely to follow suit. Alternative products and strategies are sought to help maintain animal gut health to reduce the prevalence of pathogens in the food chain. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of organic and aqueous leaf extracts of Alchornea laxiflora, Ficus exasperata, Morinda lucida, Jatropha gossypiifolia, Ocimum gratissimum, and Acalypha wilkesiana were tested against bacterial poultry pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and fungal species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans) using a 2-fold serial microdilution method. Activity of extracts against biofilms of the pathogens was done using a modified crystal violet staining in vitro assay. The safety of extracts was determined against Vero and Caco-2 cells using a tetrazolium-based in vitro assay. Acetone and cold water extracts of M. lucida had the best activity against three bacteria (MIC = 0.05–0.07 mg/ml) and two fungal (MIC = 0.03–0.15 mg/ml) organisms, respectively. The E. coli isolate and A. flavus were the most susceptible bacteria and fungi, respectively. Caco-2 cells generally displayed higher selectivity index (SI) values compared to Vero cells and average SI values against Vero and Caco-2 cells for both bacteria and fungi ranged from 0.01 to 4.48 and 0.005 to 16.41, respectively. All plant extracts had good anti-biofilm activity (>50%) against at least one organism. The disruption of established biofilm growth by the plant samples proved to be more difficult to achieve than efficacy against planktonic forms of bacteria. This study shows that some of the plant species are potential candidates as alternative feed additives in poultry production. In the future, a poultry feed trial to evaluate their in vivo efficacy as herbal feed additives will be conducted.

Effect of African basil (Ocimum gratissimum) extracts against Water mould (Pythium aphanidermatum) in cowpea

The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of Ocimum gratissimum extracts in the control of Pythium aphanidermatum in cowpea. This was conducted in Crop Science and Biotechnology laboratory, Imo State University, Owerri between May to August 2018 using completely randomized design (C.R.D). There were 8 treatments replicated 4 times. Powder and Liquid extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were applied at different concentrations (0,5, 10, 15) g and (0, 5, 10, 15) mls respectively, inoculated on the media, Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) in petri dishes to check the incidence and spread of the disease. Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum were effective against Pythium aphanidermatum in all the parameters tested. On inoculation of PDA media, different forms of Pythium aphanidermatum (ring or circular and dotted) in all treatments were observed, except the control. Quantitative analyses and Infrared spectroscopy of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts revealed the presence of active phytochemicals (alkaloids 3.6, tannins 15.4, flavonoids, oxalate 5.8, saponins 3.1) ug/g and infrared compounds (alkenes (3201.2), alcohol (3344.5), carboxylic acid (2995.5), aldehyde (2719.5), and isocyanate (2804.4) absorbed at different wave lengths in cm-1 were identified.Different fungal growths were cleared using different levels of extracts, (15&gt;10&gt;5&gt;0) mls thanpowder extracts respectively. The ability of the extracts to exert fungicidal effects was due to thepresence of active phytochemicals and infrared compounds present in the extracts.

Synthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles using Ocimum Gratissimum (Scent Leaf)

Environmentally friendly synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) has been achieved using aqueous extracts of Ocimum gratissimum leaf (scent leaf). The reduction of Cu2+ was followed by the change of color from green to dark brown color and formation of precipitate. The reaction was monitored by visual observation and characterization of copper nanoparticles using UV-Visible spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometery. UV-Visible spectra of the aqueous solution containing copper nanoparticles showed a peak at 240 nm corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance of copper oxide nanoparticles. FTIR spectra also confirmed the formation of the copper oxide NPs by the appearance of bands corresponding to Cu-O stretching frequency, and the presence of phytochemicals present in Ocimum gratissimum adsorbed on the surface of the copper oxide nanoparticles presents these nanoparticles as promising biological agents. This green synthesis method replaces the use of toxic chemicals with Ocimum gratissimum extract which play the roles of reducing, stabilizing and capping agents during the synthesis.

In-vitro phytochemical analysis of essential oil and methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum

In-vitro phytochemical analysis of essential oil and methanolic and hydromethanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum

Long-term exposure to cimetidine induced gonado-toxicity in male rats: Modulating role of Ocimum gratissimum

BackgroundAvailable evidence suggests that cimetidine is a reproductive toxicant that induces sexual and testicular dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is globally consumed for medicinal and nutritional purposes. To determine the modulating role of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on cimetidine-induced gonado-toxicity, sexually mature male rats were randomized into four groups of six (n=6) rats each. Group A: control given 2ml distilled water. Group B received 500mg/kg body weight (bwt) of OG extract, Group C received 50mg/kg bwt cimetidine, and group D received 50mg/kg bwt of cimetidine+500mg/kg bwt OG extract once daily for 8 weeks via gastric gavage. Parameters tested include sperm parameters, testosterone (TT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin, testicular alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein, cholesterol, glycogen, sexual behavioural parameters, and testicular histology. ResultsThere were depletions in the seminiferous epithelium, decreased sperm quality, TT, LH, and FSH, testicular enzymes, protein, cholesterol, glycogen, and sexual behaviour increase in animals treated with cimetidine only compared to control. OG restored and improved sexual behaviour and libido as evident from increased frequencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation, and ejaculatory latency. Mount latencies, intromission, post-ejaculation, and prolactin were significantly decreased. The significantly decreased testicular activities of ALP, ACP, LDH and protein, cholesterol, glycogen concentrations, TT, LH and FSH were increased by OG administration. ConclusionOcimum gratissimum attenuated the deleterious effects of cimetidine on the testis, protected the seminiferous epithelium, restored, and boosted sexual competence, and promoted spermatogenesis.

Pharmacognostic evaluation and coagulant analysis of the ethanol extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae)

Ocimum gratissimum belongs to the group of plants known as spices. The plant is an erect small plumb with many branches usually not more than 1m high. It is of the familylabiatae, genus Ocimum and species gratissimum. It is commonly known as scent leaf. This project is focused on the pharmacognostic and coagulant activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum. The ethanol leaf extract of the plant was obtained using cold maceration with ethanol and then filtered and concentrated using rotary evaporator. The extract was used for coagulant evaluations, pharmacognostic evaluation and chromatographic (thin layer chromatography) analysis. The LD50 was determined in rats using Lorkes method. Microscopic result shows the presence of a covering or uniseratetrichomes, sclerenchyma none pitted with lumen and diacytic stomata. The numerical data obtained were 8.75%, 12% and 8.45% for moisture content, alcohol extractive value and total cash value. The LD50 shows that there was no death recoded because of the holistic use of the plants. The result of the coagulation research are as follow: Group 1 clotting time 1: 69 min and bleeding time 2: 62min, group 2 clotting time 1: 39 min and bleeding time 4: 79min, group 3 clotting time 1: 37 min and bleeding time 1: 99min, group 4 clotting time 1: 81mins and bleeding time is 2: 28mins, group 5 clotting time is 1: 47mins and bleeding time is 2: 49mins) This shows that the ethanol extract of Ocimum gratissimumon rats exhibited coagulant property. The phytochemical analysis of this plant reveals that it contains alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, tannins, glycosides and resins. It can therefore be concluded that the ethanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum possesses coagulant activity. This study can be of great importance to the development of new coagulant drugs. Citation: Osualaet al.(2021) Pharmacognostic Evaluation and Coagulant screening of Ethanol Extract of the Leaves ofOcimumgratissimumL. (Lamiaceae) Journal

In-vitro and in-vivo toxicological studies of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (Lamiaceae) in Wistar rats

Herbal medicines have been used for human health management, prevention, and cure of human diseases since ancient civilizations. In recent days, the use of herbal medicines has increased significantly in various forms such as herbal formulations, dietary supplements, and nutraceuticals in the global market. This growing demand undoubtedly improves the therapeutic claims of herbal medicines as biomedicines and/or functional foods. However, the safe use of herbal products and herbal drugs remains a challenge due to toxicity and regulatory issues. This study aims to evaluate the cytotoxicity of hydroethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on the larvae of Artemia salina in vitro and in-vivo acute and subchronic toxicity study in Wistar rats. The test on A. salina showed that the hydroalcoholic extract of O. gratissimum did not show any toxicity. The LC50 values of O. gratissimum on brine shrimp were 0.60 ± 0.19 mg/ml. The acute toxicity study revealed no behavioral disturbances or death in rats. The extract lethal dose (LD50) is greater than 5000 mg/kg body weight. Subchronic toxicity results showed a significant increase in abdominal fat at 1000 mg/kg. As for the hematological parameters, there was a significant decrease in the number of platelets at doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Some biochemical parameters were affected by repeated administration of O. gratissimum extract for 28 days. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was increased at 500 and 1000 mg/kg. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and urea decreased at 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively. Blood electrolytes showed no significant change. Histological sections showed no organ damage. In conclusion, aqueous extract of O. gratissimum caused no adverse effects in rats after acute and subchronic treatment at 500 and 1000 mg/kg. However, specific hematological and biochemical parameters should be monitored during chronic use. Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, cytotoxicity, toxicity, Wistar rats.

Development and Evaluation of Herbal Mosquito Repellent Cream

Mosquito repellent is a product that is applied to the skin or other surfaces to deter insects (and arthropods in general) from landing or climbing on that surface. The interest in plant-based repellants has been revived seeing that the development of resistance, cross-resistance and possible toxicity hazards associated with synthetic insecticides and their rising cost. The present study aimed towards the development and evaluation of safe and efficient herbal mosquito repellent from leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Vitex negundo, and Ocimum gratissimum. Six different types of formulation (Type-1 to 6) were prepared using each plant extract and optimized ingredients. The mosquito repellent activity of the formulation was tested using the arm-in-cage method. One skin rubbed with a small quantity of formulation was exposed to 20 mosquitoes and the number of mosquitoes that aligned or biting the arm was recorded in each minute for five minutes. The most effective repellent activity of the Type2 formulation was 87.5% (Y-shaped Model) and 91.62% (Rectangular-shaped Model). The Type1, Type3, Type4, Type5 and Type6 formulation showed 66.62% , 58.25%, 68.75%, 70.75% and 62.5% repellent activity in Y shaped model and 66.62%, 62.5%, 70.75%, 83.25% and 62.5% repellent activity in Rectangular shaped model respectively. During these studies, we found that Hexane extract showed higher repellent activity. No allergic reactions were observed upon the skin. So, it is a safe product. The formulation was ecological, economical and highly efficient.

Screening plants extracts for Antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani

The adverse effect of pesticides used for controlling pests and the diseases caused by them is extensively rising. To overcome this harmful environmental impact, alternative methods are being studied and developed. Out of many possible methods, one effective method is to use plant extracts which embodies natural substances having antifungal properties. In an attempt towards enhancement of sustainable antifungal approach, four different concentrations of four plant extracts Citrus limon, Azadirachta indica, Ocimum gratissimum and Acalypha indica, were tested for their antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani, which is a serious threat for plants, and is responsible for considerable crop and yield losses. The aim of this study is to minimize yield losses and to regain the attention of formers towards exploiting natural resources for diseases control. From the results, it can be concluded that different concentrations of plant extracts have caused substantial inhibition in the mycelial growth of R. solani. The leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum was highly effective in inhibiting mycelial growth, at the concentration of 500mg/ml of extract followed by Citrus limon, Azadirachta indica, and Acalypha indica. These plants might have potential for the development of natural fungicide for the management of diseases caused by fungal pathogens. Also, fungicides developed from these botanical extracts can prove to be highly effective for the management of plant diseases and would be simply obtainable, nonpolluting, biodegradable and economical.

Hydrocarbon Degrading Potentials and Antibiotic Susceptibility Test of Bacteria Isolated from Amended Soil in Ilorin

This study used bacteria from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil that had been treated. Organic amendments included cassava peels, plantain peels, eggshells, and poultry droppings, while inorganic amendments included NPK and Urea. In this study, three (3) bacteria were characterized and dealt with: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus proteolyticus, and Providencia rettgeri. To determine their biodegradative capabilities, these isolates were tested on a variety of hydrocarbons. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the bacteria was tested in vitro against extracts of Moringa oleifera, Vernonia amygdalina (Bitter leaf), Ocimum gratissimum (Scent lLeaf), and Telifairia occidentalis (Ugwu) at different concentrations (20%, 13%, 10%, 7%, and 3%). Using the maceration procedure, the plant materials were extracted with ethanol and methanol. The bacteria were resistant to the various concentrations of plant extracts, according to the results. The methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (bitter leaf) had the maximum inhibition zone, measuring 6.00 ± 0.00 mm. Furthermore, all isolates were resistant to crude oil, engine oil, heptane, and benzene in antimicrobial tests on hydrocarbons, with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens having the highest level of susceptibility (18 mm) to pyridine. However, the bacteria all demonstrated broad spectrum susceptibility to the commercial antibiotics used as a control, with the exception of Providencia rettgeri, which proved resistant (5 mm) to Ampiclox (APX), Zinnacef (Z) and Amoxacillin (AM).