Abstract

THE BIOCHEMICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS IN FEMALE ALBINO RATS TREATED WITH OCIMUM SANCTUM LINN. LEAF EXTRACT

Venkataramanaiah P and Changamma C*

ABSTRACT

Background: The influence of Ocimum sanctum Linn. leaf extract on some biochemical parameters with reference to antifertility potential in female albino rats. Aim: To investigate the extract of Ocimum sanctum leaf at higher dose and prolonged duration inhibits the ovarian function, change the uterine structure and prevent the implantation thus control the fertility of female albino rats. Patients and Methods: The healthy female albino rats were administered with Ocimum sanctum Linn. (Tulasi) leaf extract orally at different dose (100, 200, 300 mg/kg body weight/15 days) and duration (300mg/kg body weight/30 days). The total proteins, total carbohydrates, total lipids, cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides were estimated using standard biochemical methods in control and experimental female albino rat tissues like ovary, uterus, vagina, liver and plasma. Results: The oral administration of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract showed significant elevation in ovarian total proteins in group-II, III &IV but in group-V it was reduced. No significant changes observed in ovarian total carbohydrates in group-II & III. But in group - IV (300mg/kg body weight/day for 15 days) and group - V (300mg/kg body weight/day for 30 days) there was significant elevation over control. The ovarian and uterine lipids were enhanced as the dose and duration of the extract increases. The elevated cholesterol levels observed in ovary and uterus but at higher and prolonged dose and duration uterine cholesterol levels were depleted. The increased hepatic triglycerides were noticed as the dose and duration increased. The enhanced phospholipids can be correlated to decreased oxidative metabolism owing to low level of estrogen in circulation. Conclusion: On the basis of these observations it may be concluded that the extract of Ocimum sanctum leaf at higher dose and prolonged duration owing to its potent antiestrogenic nature and alters the biochemical milieu of the reproductive tract.

Keywords: Ocimum sanctum leaf extract, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, cholesterol.