Comparative study on some selected species of Ocimum genus on free radical scavenging activity and hepatoprotective activity against CCl4 induced intoxication in rats

Abstract

In this study, we compared the in vitro antioxidant property among the selected Ocimum species (O. sanctum, O. americanum, O. basilicum and O. gratis-simum) and hepatoprotective activities of their extracts against CCl 4 induced intoxication. The results suggested that the four species of Ocimum genus showed variability in Phenolic content and in vitro antioxi-dant activity against DPPH, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals in the following manner: O. sanctum > O. americanum > O. basilicum > O. gratissimum respectively. Based on serum AST, ALT, ALP and T. Bil levels, the alcoholic extracts of Ocimum species showed a significant dose dependent (250 mg and 500 mg and 750 mg/kg p.o.) and a protective effect against CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The results further revealed that the potential hepatoprotective activity of Ocimum sanctum among the Ocimum species.