Leaf Extract Of Ocimum Gratissimum Research Articles

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.

Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Activities of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf Extract on Diabetic Rats

Aims: Ocimum gratissimum is a medicinal plant that has been traditionally used in the management of many diseases including diabetes mellitus. The aim of this research was to evaluate hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts on diabetic rats.
 Study Design: Mention the design of the study here.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Science, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology Aliero, Kebbi State, Nigeria. Between february 2021 and June 2021.
 Methodology: The phytochemical screening was carried out using standard procedures. The extract was administered orally (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, for 21 days) to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Hypoglycemic effects, change in body weight, lipid profile and antioxidant activities of diabetic rats treated with the extract were assessed and compared with normal, diabetic control and standard drug treated rats. Histological examination of the pancreas during 21 days of treatment was also carried out.
 Results: The extract produced a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose level in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Significant differences were also observed in body weights, serum lipid profile and levels of antioxidant vitamins and enzymes of Ocimum gratissimum methanol extract treated diabetic rats, when compared with diabetic, normal and standard drug treated rats. Histopathological studies of the pancreas showed comparable regeneration of the cells by extract which were earlier necrosed by alloxan. Methanol leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum exhibit significant hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities in alloxan-induced diabetes in rats. The extract could be further processed towards the management of diabetes mellitus.
 Conclusion: Ocimum gratissimum extract showed a promising good hypoglycemic effect, the extracts also exhibit hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities on diabetic rats. There was regeneration of pancreatic islets of Langerhans. Therefore at acute dose the extracts can serve as an alternative in the management of diabetes mellitus.

Ocimum gratissimum enhances insulin sensitivity in male Wistar rats with dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance.

The antidiabetic activities of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) leaf extract are well documented in experimental diabetes induced by beta cell destruction resulting in hypoinsulinemia. There is however paucity of data on its effect in conditions characterized by hyperinsulinemia. This study therefore investigated the effect of OG on insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone in male Wistar rats. Twenty male Wistar rats grouped as control, normal + OG, Dex and Dex + OG were used. Control and normal + OG received normal saline while Dex and Dex + OG received dexamethasone (1mg/kg, i.p) followed by distilled water or OG (400mg/kg) for 10days. Levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, HOMA-IR, liver and muscle glycogen, hexokinase activities, hepatic HMG CoA reductase activity were obtained. Histopathology of pancreas and liver tissues was carried out using standard procedures. Body weight reduced significantly in the Dex and Dex + OG groups compared with the control. FBG (147.8 ± 9.93mg/dL), insulin (2.98 ± 0.49 µIU/ml) and HOMA-IR (1.11 ± 0.22) of Dex animals were higher than the control (FBG = 89.22 ± 6.53mg/dL; insulin = 1.70 ± 0.49 µIU/ml; HOMA-IR = 0.37 ± 0.04). These were significantly reduced in the Dex + OG (FBG = 115.31 ± 5.93mg/dL; insulin = 1.85 ± 0.11µIU/ml; HOMA-IR = 0.53 ± 0.08) compared with Dex. Glycogen content and hexokinase activities were increased in the Dex + OG. Increased pancreatic islet size, hepatic steatosis and HMG Co A reductase activity were observed in the Dex but reduced in Dex + OG. OG promotes cellular glucose utilization and reduces hepatic fat accumulation in Wistar rats with insulin resistance induced by dexamethasone. Further study to identify the involved signal transduction will throw more light on the observed effects.

Cured Characteristics, Physicochemical Properties and Sensory Profile of Frankfurters Produced with Ocimum Gratissimum Extract Leaf Extracts

Objectives: To determine cured characteristics, physicochemical properties as well as sensory profiles of frankfurters produced with either nitrite salt or common salt with or without Ocimum gratissimum extract leaf extracts. Materials and methods: Five treatments were formulated to produce 5 kg each of frankfurters from pork and beef with and without nitrite salt, Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract or common salt. Proximate composition, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking yield, pH, water activity (Aw), objective color and residual nitrite and nitrate were determined. Results: No significant differences (p> 0.05) were observed for b* (yellowness) of all frankfurters. Frankfurters produced with common salt only recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) water activity compared to those with either nitrite salt or common salt-OG combinations. Nitrite salt or OG-common salt as cure ingredients did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the water holding capacity of frankfurters. But the use of common salt alone resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower water holding capacities. No significant (p>0.05) differences were observed in the pH of meat batters for which reason their cooking loss values were also not significantly (p>0.05) different. The proximate compositions as well as sensory profiles of frankfurters were also not different significantly (p>0.05). Conclusions: Frankfurters produced with Ocimum gratissimum and common salt resulted in similar cured characteristics and sensory properties of those produced nitrite salt, and these characteristics were better than using common salt only.

Fungi Diversity on Some Fruits and Biological Control using Two Plants Extracts

Fruits play an essential role in human nutrition by contributing the necessary growth factors like essential minerals and vitamins in human daily diet maintaining a good and normal health. But rot diseases caused by fungi cause severe losses of agricultural and horticultural crops every year. This work aimed to study fungi diversity on some fruits and carry out biological control using two plant extracts. A total of 17 infected fruit samples were collected from two local markets, small pieces of infected parts were inoculated on prepared plates of Potato Dextrose Agar. Incubation was done for 7 days and pure cultures were made, and pure isolated fungi were identified according to the recommended references. Ethanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Moringa oleifera were evaluated for in vitro antifungal activities on Aspergillus and Fusarium species isolated from spoilt tomatoes and banana using the Agar Dilution Method. Eleven different fungi species comprising nine genera were isolated from the 17 fruits collected from the Nkwen and main markets of Bamenda. The fungi were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum, Mucor sp, Fusarium sp, Mucor racemosus, Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum sp, Nodulisporium sp, Fusarium oxysporum and Aspergillus flavus. There was some diversity in isolation frequency of the fungi from the fruits. Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium were the most common genera that colonized the fruits, with Aspergillus sp. found to be the most dominant fungi responsible for extensive damage of fruits. Ocimum gratissimum and Moringa oleifera leaf extracts had inhibitory activities on the test fungi. The diversity of the fungi identified in this study could be regarded as the most common causes of post-harvest deterioration of fruits. The findings of this study bring further evidence that Moringa oleifera and Ocimum gratissimum leaves extracts have the potential of becoming powerful and safe alternative means of fungi control on fruits instead of the harmful, expensive, environmentally unfriendly chemical fungicides.

Antibacterial Efficacy and Phytochemical Screening of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf Extracts against Some Selected Bacteria Isolated from Stool Samples of Diarrhea Patients

This study investigated the antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extracts on antibiotic resistant bacteria from stool samples of diarrhea patient attending specialist hospitals in Ondo State, Nigeria. O. gratissimum leaf extracted with acetone, methanol and hot water solvents were assayed for qualitative and quantitative phytochemicals. Bioactive extracts were partially purified using standard chromatographic techniques. The crude and purified acetone extract had inhibitory effect on Escherichia coli (13.00±0.58 and 26.67±0.33 mm) according to CLSI, 2014 standard. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of purified acetone extract were 12.5 and 25 mg/ml respectively. Saponin had the highest quantity (42.50±0.32 mg/ml) on acetone extract while tannin had the lowest (1.29±0.01 mg/ml). O. gratissimum leaf acetone extract could be promising candidate in the treatment of diarrhea infection which is a major concern in paediatric medicine.
 Keywords: Diarrhea, Ocimum gratissimum L., Antibacterial

Corrosion Inhibition Efficiency, Adsorption and Thermodynamic Studies of Ocimum Gratissimum on Carbon Steel in 2 M Sodium Chloride Solution

The gravimetric method was applied to investigate the corrosion inhibition efficiency of ocimum gratissimum leaf extract on carbon steel, in 2 M NaCl solution. Concentration of the extract was varied from 0.5 to 3.0 g/L, using a step size of 0.5 g/L. The corrosion test was performed at temperature values of 308 K, 318 K, 328 K and 338 K for 3 h, 6 h and 9 h intervals. Six adsorption isotherm models were tested to study the mechanism of adsorption of the leaf extract onto the metal surface. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters such as activation energy (Ea), enthalpy (∆H), entropy (∆S) and Gibb’s free energy change of adsorption (∆Gads) were also estimated. Results obtained revealed that inhibition efficiency increased with increase in concentration and time, but decreased with increased temperature. Maximum inhibition efficiency of 95.8%, was obtained at inhibition concentration of 3.0 g/L after a -9 h exposure period, at 308 K. The Langmuir model was found to have the best fit. While all the values of Ea were positive, the lower spectrum of Ea reflected the absence of ocimum gratissimum leaf extract. Also, ∆H values were positive and increased with increase in concentration and time. ∆S values were negative with decreasing magnitude as time and concentration increased. Similarly, ∆Gads values were shown to be negative and with magnitude less than 20 kJ/mol. These results obtained, show that ocimum gratissimum leaf extract can be a good corrosion inhibitor for carbon steel in 2 M NaCl solution and that its adsorption onto the metal surface is realistic, spontaneous and occurred by physisorption.

Antinociceptive potential of methanol leaf extracts of Cissampelos parreira (Linn), Lantana camara (Linn) and Ocimum gratissimum (African basil)

The effects of Cissampelos pareira (Linn), Lantana camara (Linn) and Ocimum gratissimum (African basil) leaf extracts on pain have not been biologically determined despite their frequent traditional use in pain management. The present study evaluated the effects of methanol leaf extracts of these three plants on formalin-induced pain in Swiss albino mice. Leaves of C. pareira, L. camara and O. gratissimum were harvested, cleaned, shade dried, crushed, extracted in absolute methanol and concentrated to dryness. The quantitative phytochemical screening of the three plant extracts was first carried out. Then, the pain assay tests constituted eight groups of five mice each: normal control group, positive control group, negative control group and experimental groups of 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250mg/kg bw extracts. The animals were administered with various treatments thirty minutes before induction of pain through injection of 0.01ml of 2.5% formalin solution into the sub-plantar region of the left hind paw. Paracetamol at the dose of 50mg/kg bw and 5% dimethyl sulfoxide were used as the positive and negative controls respectively. The plant extracts were administered intraperitoneally and orally. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and unpaired t-test. Phytochemical screening on separate extracts of C. pareira, L. camara and O. gratissimum revealed fatty acids, phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids. The different dosages of methanol leave extracts of C. pareira, L. camara and O. gratissimum reduced pain significantly (p˃0.05) in mice. The significant reduction of pain was associated with fatty acids, phenols, flavonoids and terpenoids revealed in the plant extracts.

Effect of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf-extract on Hematological Indices and Lipid Profile of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats.

Ocimum gratissimum (OG) has been used in ethnopharmacology for the treatment of diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Ocimum gratissimum leaf-extract on hematological indices and lipid profile of Streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Twenty-four rats weighing 100-160 g were randomly assigned to four treatment groups, the normal and diabetic controls, received a placebo treatment, while groups three and four were administered glibenclamide and OG leaf-extract (400 mg kg-1 b.wt.), respectively. The extracts were administered twice daily for 28 days. The rats were sacrificed and whole blood was collected for hematological and serum lipid profile assays. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Diabetes induction resulted in decreases (p<0.05) in Red Blood Cell (RBC), Hemoglobin (Hb), White Blood Cell (WBC) and increases in Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin and Blood platelets compared to the normal control. Treatment with O. gratissimum extract reversed RBC (7.74±0.39 μL), WBC (16.57±3.02) and Platelet (804.33±194.02) levels, but not Hb, towards normal levels (7.99±0.04, 11.27±0.69, 839.67±10.17 respectively). Diabetes induction also resulted in increases (p<0.05) in Triglyceride (TG) and Very-Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL), decreases (p<0.05) in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) compared to normal control with no significant change in Total Cholesterol (TC). After administration with Ocimum gratissimum TC, LDL and VLDL and HDL levels were significantly (p<0.05) reduced relative to the diabetic control. TG was however increased relative to the diabetic control. Overall, data suggests the plant holds great potential in amelioration of diabetes-induced dyslipidemia and hematological disorders.

Larvicidal activity of some selected medicinal plant extracts against the vector of filariasis

The present study assessed the role of larvicidal activities of hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol dried leaf and bark extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Gleditsia triacanthos, Eucalyptus sglobulus and Azadirachta aindica against the fourth instar larvae of filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae). Larvicidal activities of four medicinal plant extracts were studied in the range of 4.69 to 1000 mg/l in the laboratory bioassays against early 4th instar larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus. The mortality data were subjected to probit analysis to determine the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) to kill 50 and 90 per cent of the treated larvae of the respective species. All plant extracts showed moderate effects after 24 h of exposure; however, the highest toxic effect of leaf methanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum, bark ethyl acetate extract of Eucalyptus globulus, methanol extract of Azadirachta indicia and methanol bark extract of Gleditsia triacanthos against the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus with LC50=43.00, 41.02, 40.12 and 20.36 mg/l; LC90=278.32, 218.72, 215.01 and 86.29 mg/l respectively. The result of findings shows that leaf and bark extract of G. tricantha, A .indica, O. gratissimum and E .globulus can be developed as ecofriendly larvicides.

Fungitoxic effect of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Ocimum gratissimum and Benlate in the control of Post harvest Fungal diseases of Solanum melongena Linn (Egg plant).

Fungitoxic properties of ethanolic and aqueous leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica, Ocimum gratissimum and benlate were used in vitro for the control of post-harvest fungal diseases of Solanum melongena, caused by Aspergillus niger, Rhizoctonia solani and Mucor ramosissimus. Pathogenicity test confirmed them as the causal organisms of the fruit rots. The three pathogens were treated with both ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of the two plants at concentrations ranging from 25 to 100% and benlate at concentrations between 2.5 and 10.0%. Various concentrations were added to prepared Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media. The pathogens were inoculated separately into the PDA media and were incubated for eight days. Fungitoxic effects of these extracts on the mycelial growth of the pathogens were significant at P?0.05 for all treatments. The pathogens were completely inhibited at 100% concentration of both extracts and at 10% concentration of benlate. With respect to ethanolic extract; O.gratissimum was more efficient than A. indica but not with aqueous extract.

Evaluation of Medicinal Plants Extract against Biofilm Formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory activity of leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum, Moringa oleifera, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Azadirachta indica and seed extract of Garcinia kola against clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were evaluated using the agar diffusion and crystal violet assay methods. The ethanol extracts of O. gratissimum and H. sabdariffa exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the P. aeruginosa with diameter zones of inhibition of 25 mm and 30mm with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.16 mg/ml and 0.18 mg/ml respectively. While the ethanol extracts of A. indica, M. oleifera and G. kola showed no antibacterial effect against the test organism. However, all five plants extract inhibited the formation of biofilm with optical density (OD) values reduction from 0.168 to 0.160 for O. gratissimum, 0.170 to 0.151 for H. sabdariffa, 0.140 to 0.138 for A. indica, 0.145 to 0.137 for M. oleifera and 0.135 to 0.130 for G. kola. Out of five plants extract tested, H. sabdariffa exhibited the best growth and biofilm inhibition activity of P. aeruginosa. The results of this study indicate that various concentrations of the plants extract particularly H. sabdariffa, may provide an alternative to control biofilm-related infections caused by P. aeruginosa.

Inhibition of dehydrogenase activity in S. typhimurium by ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum

Dehydrogenase and inhibitions of dehydrogenase activities in Salmonella typhimurium by ethanolic and methanolic leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Carica papaya were investigated. Dehydrogenase activity assay was carried out using 2, 3, 5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) as the electron acceptor. Pure culture of S. typhimurium was exposed to varied concentrations of ethanolic and methanolic extracts of Ocimum gratissimum and Carica papaya [0-4000 μg/ml]. The ethanolic and methanolic extracts exhibited a concentration dependent response against the tested organism. Results obtained revealed that the ethanolic extracts showed a higher bactericidal effect on the test organism than the methanolic extracts at the threshold and total inhibitory concentrations. The IC50 were 45.349 and 15.697; IC100 were 43.732 and 35.526 for ethanolic extracts of Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum respectively while the IC50 were 7.108 and 13.696; IC100 were 40.815 and 31.104 for methanolic extracts of Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum respectively. This in-vitro study further revealed that the leaf of Carica papaya was more potent on Salmonella typhimurium than the leaf of Ocimum gratissimum. The findings from this study seem to provide the in-vitro evidence that justifies Carica papaya and Ocimum gratissimum as good candidate medicinal plants for the potential treatment of Salmonella typhimurium infections.

Ameliorative Effect of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf extract Against Phenylhydrazine‐Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

This study investigated the effect of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on haematological and biochemical parameters of phenylhydrazine‐induced toxicity in rats. The experimental rats were divided into five (5) groups of six (12) rats each (6 males and 6 females placed in different cages). The test groups (Groups B to E) were induced intraperitoneally with 50 mg/kg phenylhydrazine each for two consecutive days. Group A served as normal control and received orally 0.25 ml/kg of distilled water as placebo, while group B (negative control) was left untreated. Groups C, D and E received orally 5 mg/kg ferrous sulphate, 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg aqueous extract of O. gratissimum respectively for 14 days. In the acute toxicity, the LD50 was above 5000 mg/kg body weight. There were significant decrease (p&lt;0.05) in total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations in the extract treated groups while aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), bilirubin, urea, creatinine, potassium ion (K+) significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in the negative control. High density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations statistically increased (p&lt;0.05) in the extract groups (C, D and E) when compared to the negative control. Red blood cell indices, packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentrations (P&lt; 0.05) significantly decreased in the negative control when compared to the extract treated groups in both male and female rats. The results show that aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum could have the potentials of ameliorating the metabolic distortions in haematology, hepatorenal and lipid profile inflicted by phenylhydrazine. Thus, the extract could be of a good therapeutic use and safe for consumption at the tested doses.Support or Funding InformationI received funding from Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) Nigeria to attend this conference

Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Abrogates Methotrexate-induced Liver Injury in Albino Rats

Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Abrogates Methotrexate-induced Liver Injury in Albino Rats

Acute dysfunctional status of hepatorenal tissues of rats administered with leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae)

Background: Given the vast medicinal properties of Ocimum gratissimum, the present study evaluated, in comparative terms, the acute dysfunctional status of hepatorenal tissues of Wistar rats administered with petroleum ether (PE) and ethyl acetate (EA) leaf extracts of O. gratissimum.&#x0D; Methods: Grouping of the experimental rats was assigned according to the treatments given, in which graded doses {200, 400, 600 and 800 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)} of PE and EA fractions of O. gratissimum leaf extract were administered to the rats by oral gavage on a daily basis for a period of 21 days. Serum levels of hepatorenal tissues biomarkers were measured using standard spectrophotometric methods. The organ-to-body weight ratio of the rats was measured on the 21st day of the experiment.&#x0D; Results: Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (i.e. AST/ALT) of the experimental rat groups was found to be within the range of 0.919 – 1.022 unit. The experimental rat groups administered with PE and EA fractions of O. gratissimum leaf extract showed dose-dependent increasing levels of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. Likewise, rat groups administered with the herbal extracts exhibited increasing serum total bilirubin, urea and creatinine concentrations, in a dose-dependent manner. At the end of the 21-day treatment period, all the experimental rat groups showed increase in body weight, ranging from 0.79 – 1.98% increase. The liver weight and kidney weight to body weight ratios were within the range of (0.0468 0.02 – 0.0981 0.04) unit and (0.00245 0.002 – 0.01968 0.007) unit, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results showed that doses of PE and EA fractions of O. gratissimum leaf extract greater than 400 mg/kg b.w. induced dose-dependent hepatorenal toxicity, with the EA fraction provoking greater toxicity than the PE fraction of O. gratissimum leaf extract.

Chemical characterization, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, Anti-Toxoplasma gondii and antimicrobial potentials of the Citrus sinensis seed oil for sustainable cosmeceutical production

There are growing concerns about the chronic and acute effects of synthetic additives such as antibacterial, fragrances, colourants and stabilizing agents used in the production of various household products. Many household products and materials including cosmetic products are reportedly suspected to be carcinogenic with some acting as endocrine disruptors among other effects. Thus, environmental-friendly alternatives such as products that are rich in bioactive phytochemicals are becoming consumers' preferred choice especially in the beauty and cosmetic sector. ‘Green’ preparation of medicinal soaps devoid of any synthetic additives was made from underutilized tropical seed of Citrus sinensis seed oil and some natural additives comprising of natural honey, Ocimum gratissimum leaves extract, Moringa oleifera seed oil and coconut oil. Precisely, the seed oil of the underexplored C. sinensis was obtained via soxhlet extraction and saponified with natural lye solution at different ratios to produce soaps of varying characteristics. The incorporation of honey and Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract provided additional antimicrobial, antioxidant and fragrance properties. Physico-chemical parameters of the oil and soaps were determined following standard procedures while the fatty acid profile of the trans-esterified oil was determined using GC–MS. The antimicrobial potential of the oil and soaps were assessed using agar diffusion method at concentrations 200 mg/mL and below. Linoleic acid (36%) and oleic acid (27%) were the most prominent in C. sinensis seed oil. The soap had antimicrobial potential comparable to commercial product. The soap samples recorded highest anti-bacteria activities (22.0 ± 1.0–23.0 ± 1.0) against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis and notable anti-fungi activities (18.0 ± 1.0) against Penicillium notatum and Candida albicans. Additionally, the oil showed moderate anti-parasite (anit-toxoplasma gondii) activity (EC50 ≤ 500 μg/mL) but with improved selectivity that precludes oxidative stress while the prepared medicinal soaps exhibited remarkable antioxidant property. The utilization of these locally sourced resources will prevent the daily introduction of synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant chemicals into the environment. The initiative avail a sustainable production of environmentally-benign cosmetic products besides conversion of waste to wealth agrees which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Extraction and Nanoencapsulation of Ocimum Gratissimum Leaf Extract and Its Anti-Mycobacterial Activities

Isolation of saponin from the methanol extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves, its identification with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), application of the saponin in the synthesis of nanoemulsion and their antimicrobial activities were carried out. 0.7mg was isolated from 40g of powdered leaves mixed with 70% of methanol. The methanol and saponin extracts were subjected to HPLC analysis. The methanol extracts revealed 15 peaks and the saponin revealed 8 peaks with a total elution time of 30 minutes each. The saponin was used to synthesize nanoemulsion (emulsifier). The nanoemulsion and saponin were subjected to antituberculosis activity. The nanoemulsion has better anti-tuberculosis activity than the saponin due to its Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). This goes to confirm the importance of nanomedicine in the drug delivery system and its application on diverse areas such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and material synthesis. The biological synthesis is an eco-friendly alternative to the chemical and physical methods. Keywords: Extraction, Natural Product, Nanoencapsulation, Ocimum gratissimum , Anti-Mycobacterial, Tuberculosis. DOI: 10.7176/CMR/12-2-03 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Aqueous Ocimum gratissimum extract induces cell apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has exhibited a poor overall survival rate of only six to ten months, and the urgency of the development of more effective novel agents is ever present. In this line of research, we aimed to investigate the effects and inhibitive mechanisms of aqueous Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract (OGE), the extract of Ocimum gratissimum, which is commonly used as a therapeutic herb for its numerous pharmacological properties, on malignant HCC cells. Our results showed that OGE decreased the cell viability of HCC SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells in a dose-dependent manner (from 400 to 800 µg/mL), while there is little effect on Chang liver cells. Moreover, cell-cycle analysis shows increased Sub-G1 cell count in SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells which is not observed in Chang liver cells. These findings raise suspicion that the OGE-induced cell death may be mediated through proteins that regulate cell cycle and apoptosis in SK-Hep1 and HA22T cells, and further experimentation revealed that OGE treatment resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in caspase 3 and PARP expressions and in CDK4and p-ERK1/2expressions. Moreover, animal tests also exhibited decreased HCC tumor growth by OGE treatment. We therefore suggest that the inhibition of cell viability and tumor growth induced by OGE may be correlated to the alteration of apoptosis-related proteins.

Effects of Ocimum gratissimum and Citric Acid on the Nutritive and Sensory Qualities of Stored Pineapple Juice

Fruit juices values are reduced during the storage, its effect is of great concern to the consumer as well as to the economy of our great nation. Effects of leaf extract Ocimum gratissimum and citric acid on the proximate and sensory properties of stored at 30 ± 2°C pineapple juice was investigated using standard techniques. The extracted juice was divided into two-part, one part was treated with leaf extract O. gratissimum ranged from 5% - 40% while; the second part was treated with citric acid ranged from 0.2% - 0.5% and untreated one served as control. They were stored 10 days at ambient temperature. The results obtained revealed the concentration 40% leaf extract and 0.5% citric acid were able to stabilize the nutritional qualities during the storage. The moisture content for the best leaf extract at 40% concentration ranged from 77.95 ± 0.08% - 78.34 ± 0.05% while citric acid (0.5%) moisture effect ranged from 85.42 0.00% - 85.72 ± 0.06% and the untreated moisture content ranged from 85.42 ± 0.02% to 93.19 ± 0.00%. The ash content of leaf extract and citric acid-treated pineapple ranged from 1.10 ± 0.01% - 1.11 ± 0.01% and 0.30 ± 0.00% - 0.32 ± 0.00% while untreated juice ranged from 0.17 ± 0.00% to 0.32 ± 0.00%. The protein content of leaf extract and citric acid-treated pineapple ranged from 2.24 ± 0.01% - 2.29 ± 0.01% and 1.07 ± 0.01% - 1.08 ± 0.01% while untreated juice ranged from 0.95 ± 0.00% to 1.09 ± 0.00%. The carbohydrate content of leaf extract and citric acid-treated pineapple ranged 15.38 ± 0.00% - 15.46 ± 0.00% and 11.81 ± 0.00% - 11.95 ± 0.00% while untreated juice ranged from 5.10 ± 0.01% to 11.94 ± 0.00%. The fibre content of leaf extract and citric acid-treated pineapple ranged 2.41 ± 0.00% - 2.43 ± 0.01% and 0.95 ± 0.01% - 1.03 ± 0.01% while untreated juice ranged from 0.99 ± 0.01% to 1.03 ± 0.01%. The fat content of leaf extract and citric acid-treated pineapple ranged 0.51 ± 0.01% - 0.61 ± 0.00% and 0.11 ± 0.00% - 0.20 ± 0.01% while untreated juice ranged from 0.82 ± 0.00% to 0.20 ± 0.01%. Ocimum gratissimum (40% w/v) leaf extract was the best to increase and stabilize the nutrients in pineapple juice than 0.5% citric acid. The panelists rated pineapple juice treated with O. gratissimum leaf extract (40%) the best in colour and general acceptability and slightly affected the taste and flavour while 0.5% citric acid concentration best in flavour and taste evaluated.