Ocimum Sanctum Ameliorates Valproic Acid – Induced Hepatotoxicity
Abstract OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of hepatoprotective potentials of Ocimum sanctum against Valproic-acid-induced-hepatotoxicity in Wistar-albino-rats. METHOD: 70% of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum was prepared under reduced pressure of rotary evaporator. Wistar albino rats were used as the experimental model and rats were divided into four groups (six animals each). The normal group received normal saline and group 2, 3 and 4 was injected valproic acid (500mg/kg) for four consecutive days respectively. Group 1 and 2 received normal saline throughout the period of study about 21 days while group 3 and 4 received different doses of extract of OS i.e. 200mg/kg and 300mg/kg. Through retro-orbital blood samples were collected on alternative days such as 0,7,21. By using one-way ANOVA, data was analyzed. Hepatotoxicity induced by valproic acid at the dosage of (500mg/kg) resulted in significant elevation in weight of animals and serum hepatic enzymes level of ALAT, ASAT, ALP and increase in the serum bilirubin. RESULTS: OS at different doses (200mg/kg and 300mg/kg) considered statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) against all parameters. OS cause a significant reduction in weight of animals and serum enzymes biomarkers i.e. (ALAT, ASAT and ALP) including bilirubin content. OS may prove its hepatoprotective activity by increase a significant level of protein albumin. CONCLUSION: antioxidant activity of OS and secondary metabolites such as flavonoids depicts hepatoprotective nature against valproic-acid-induced-hepatotoxicity.