title: Effect of Ocimum sanctum on homocysteine levels and lipid profile in healthy rabbits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Ocimum sanctum has been reported to have a variety of medicinal properties.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of O. sanctum on plasma homocysteine levels and lipid profile in healthy rabbits.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty rabbits were divided into two groups (20 each). Group I rabbits received normal diet and group II rabbits received fresh leaves of O. sanctum (2 g/day) for 8 weeks along with normal diet. Fasting plasma samples were estimated for homocysteine and lipid profile. The results were analysed statistically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The levels of homocysteine, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesterol were found to be decreased and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased significantly on supplementation with O. sanctum (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Thus, O. sanctum can prove to be a significant cardioprotective substance and an important adjuvant in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and dyslipidemia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Pt. B.D.S. PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana. kirandahiya_2002@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Kiran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dahiya
authors.forename: Jyoti
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sethi
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dhankhar
authors.forename: Veena
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Sangeeta B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Mridul
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yadav
authors.forename: Sushama
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sood
authors.forename: Ashuma
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sachdeva
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D050356:Lipid Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008074:Lipoproteins / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D031339:Ocimum; D018515:Plant Leaves; D011817:Rabbits; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D008074:Lipoproteins; D014280:Triglycerides; D006710:Homocysteine