In vivo Antioxidant Activity and Anti Hyperglycemic Relevant Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Petroleum Ether Extract of Traditionaly Processed Ocimum canum Leaves

Objective: To investigate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of the petroleum ether extract of Ocimum canum leaves in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.
Place and Duration of Study: Pinacle Biomedical Research institute (PBRI), Bhopal april 2013-december 2013.
Methods: Hyperglycemia was induced in rats by streptozotocin (STZ, 45 mg/kg body weight). Three days after STZ induction, diabetic rats received Ocimum extract 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 28days. Glibenclamide (600 µgm/kg) served as reference. Blood glucose levels were measured on every 7th day during 28 days. Serum biochemical parameters such as low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), atherogenic index and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were estimated. Antioxidant enzymes like (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), serum thiobarbituric (TBAR) were measured in the diabetic rats. Therefore, Ocimum canum demonstrated remarkable antidiabetic activity in STZ induced diabetic rats. The potential antidiabetic action is possible due to its modulation of endogenous antioxidant status.
Results: Administration of the extracts for 28 days caused a significant (P <0.01) reduction in blood glucose levels in diabetic rats. The extracts also improved other altered biochemical parameters associated with diabetes. Furthermore, the extracts have favorable effects on the histopathological changes of the pancreas, in STZ induced diabetic rats. The extracts also showed significant (P <0.05) antioxidant activity.
Conclusions: Ocimum canum possesses antihyperglycemic and antioxidant properties as well as improves lipid profile.