Effect of Ocimum basilicum Extract on Sodium Hypochlorite-induced Biochemical Alterations in Rabbits

Zuhair Y. Al-Sahhaf

Volume : VII, Issue : VI, June - 2018

Effect of Ocimum basilicum Extract on Sodium Hypochlorite-induced Biochemical Alterations in Rabbits

Zuhair Y. Al Sahhaf

Abstract :

Sodium hypochlorite (SODH) is used as a disinfectant and bleach for both domestic and industrial purposes. On the other hand, it showed different toxicity in mammalian animals. Basil or sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a plant which showed many pharmacological effects. The present work studied the potential effect of O. basilicum extract on SODH–induced Biochemical alterations in rabbits. Animals were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 served as controls, group2 given O. basilicum aqueous extract (0.2mg/ml, for a week), group 3 were given SODH (20 ppm for 3 minutes daily for 4 weeks), group 4 given SODH for 3 weeks and given O.basilicum for another week. The results showed that exposing animals to SODH induced significant decrease in RBCs count, haemoglobin, hematocrit percentage and blood platelets. On the other hand, the WBCs count, lymphocytes, monocytes and neutrophils wereincreased. Triglycerides, cholesterol and transaminases (ALT and AST) were increased in the sera of treated rabbits. Rabbits treated with SODH for 3 weeks and given O.basilicumextract for another week showed an improvement of the haematological and biochemical parameters. It is concluded from the present results that O.basilicumextract modulated toxicity of SODHby the antioxidant activity of flavonoids constituent.