Effect of ethanolic extract of ocimum gratissimum on sodium nitrite-induced cerebral cortex toxicity in adult wistar rats

Aim: The effect of ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum on sodium nitrite-induced cerebral oxidative stress in adult Wistar rats was evaluated.

Methods: Twenty four adult Wistar rats of weight between 150g to 250g were divided into six groups of four rats each. Group I was the Control and received 2ml/kg bwt of distilled water, Group II received 54mg/kg bwt of NaNO2, Group III received 750mg/kg bwt of the extract and 54mg/kg bwt of NaNO2, Group IV received 375mg/kg bwt of the extract and 54mg/kg bwt of NaNO2, Group V received 54mg/kg bwt of NaNO2 and 2ml/kg bwt of Olive oil while Group VI received 2ml/kg bwt of Olive oil. The administration was oral for 21 days after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for hematological and biochemical analyses and the tissues processed for histological studies.

Results: The result showed a dose dependent decrease in the mean body weight of the animals in Groups III and IV and a significant increase in serum levels of MDA and decrease in SOD, GPX and CAT in Group II(P Histological studies showed degenerative changes in Group II with less degeneration in Group IV.

Conclusion: The result showed that O. gratissimum in a dose-dependent manner may be used in the management of neurodegenerative conditions that involve free radical production.