The ameliorative effect of the solvent extracts of <i>Ocimum basilicum</i> against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in albino rats

Abstract

This study was designed to evaluate the protective activities of 4 different Ocimum basilicum L whole plant extracts against acute acetaminophen-induced liver damage in albino rats. A total of 42 rats were divided into 7 groups comprising the control (acetaminophen, water, and silymarin treated) groups and OB-treated (chloroform, diethylether, ethylacetate, and methanol extract) groups. Each treatment group was made up of 6 rats, with 3 replicates of 2 rats each. At the end of the treatment period, blood samples were collected to investigate the activities of liver enzymes, and liver tissue was harvested for histological analysis. Rats pre-treated with OB extracts showed decreased (p<0.05) ALT, AST, and ALP activities when compared with the silymarin-treated and positive control groups. Serum urea decreased (p<0.05) in OB-treated groups compared to the control groups and least (p<0.05) activity was seen in rats pre-treated with diethyl ether and methanol extracts. Rats pre-treated with OB extract (except diethyl ether extract) showed decreased (p<0.05) creatinine activity in comparison with the positive control group. The decreased value of serum total bilirubin and D bilirubin in rats pretreated with OB methanol extract was comparable to those of negative control. Histopathological examination revealed hepatic tissue necrosis in the acetaminophen-induced rats and varying degrees of injury and amelioration in other groups. The results from of all the solvent extracts of OB whole plant suggest significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities with the methanolic extract having higher hepatoprotective activity than the standard, Silymarin, and other solvent extracts.