Effects of Ocimum basilicum L. extract on experimental acute inflammation.
Our study investigated the effects of Ocimum basilicum L. tincture (1:10) in acute inflammation induced with turpentine oil (i.m. 0.6 ml/100 g b.w.) in Wistar male rats.


METHODS
The results were compared with those from a positive control group with experimental inflammation and a group treated with diclofenac (30 mg/100 g b.w.). The effects were assessed by measuring total leukocyte count and differential leukocyte count expressed as a percentage, a test of in vitro phagocytosis, and the evaluation of nitric oxide synthesis by measuring the metabolites, nitrites and nitrates, and the co-product citrulline.


RESULTS
Ocimum basilicum tincture significantly reduced the total leukocyte count, monocyte percentage, activation of circulating phagocytes, but had a slight inhibitory effect on NO synthesis. Compared to diclofenac, Ocimum basilicum tincture had a smaller inhibitory effect on all tested parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
The tested Ocimum basilicum tincture has important anti-inflammatory effects on bone marrow acute phase response and a reduced one on NO synthesis.
Benedec
Daniela
D
Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, "I. Haţieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca.
Pârvu
Alina Elena
AE
Oniga
Ilioara
I
Toiu
Anca
A
Tiperciuc
Brînduşa
B
D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D007249:Inflammation / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism; D018649:Ocimum basilicum; D010586:Phagocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007509:Irritants; D010936:Plant Extracts; D004008:Diclofenac; D009569:Nitric Oxide