Therapeutic potential of basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) aqueous extract: Impact on glycemia and oxidative stress in normoglycemic and diabetic rats.

Abstract

The prevention of nutrition-related diseases holds paramount significance for human well-being. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L., Lamiaceae) emerges as a noteworthy candidate due to its robust antioxidant properties attributed to a high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, promising potential health benefits for humans. Notably, bile acids and their derivatives exert influence on the metabolic effects of both conventional and herbal drugs. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of administering an aqueous basil extract for seven days on glycemia and in vivo antioxidant activity in both healthy and diabetic animals, either alone or in combination with a bile acid derivative. The experimental design involved normoglycemic and diabetic Wistar rats subjected to a seven-day regimen of saline and basil water extract. Hyperglycemia was induced using alloxan. Following the treatment period, animals were euthanized by cardiopuncture, and serum analyses were conducted to assess fasting blood glucose levels and biochemical parameters. Additional assessments included oral glucose tolerance tests and antioxidative stress enzyme assays. The findings showed a significant hypoglycemic effect of the aqueous basil extract in both normoglycemic and diabetic animals. The extract also decreased lipid peroxidation and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes. Basil extract treatment displayed protective effects on glycemia in both normoglycemic and diabetic animals, indicating considerable antioxidant potential. These effects were evident through increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased lipid peroxidation, affirming the beneficial impact of aqueous basil extract on health parameters.