Context: 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.
Material and 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).
Discussion and conclusion: Thus, O. sanctum can prove to be a significant cardioprotective substance and an important adjuvant in the treatment of hyperhomocysteinemia and dyslipidemia.