Ocimum sanctum aqueous leaf extract provides protection against mercury induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice

Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Sep;40(9):1079-82.

Abstract

HgCl2 (5.0 mg/kg body weight) induced toxicity led to significant elevation of lipid peroxidation (LPO) level but decline in the glutathione content in liver of Swiss albino mice. In serum of HgCl2 treated mice there was significant elevation in serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) activities but significant decline in the alkaline phosphatase activity. Animals treated with O. sanctum extract (10 mg/kg body weight, po) before and after mercury intoxication showed a significant decrease in LPO level, SGOT and SGPT activities and increase in serum alkaline phosphatase activity and glutathione (GSH) content. Ocimum treatment alone did not alter SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase activities but significantly enhanced reduced glutathione. The results suggest that oral administration of Ocimum extract provides protection against HgCl2 induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Alanine Transaminase / metabolism
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / metabolism
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury
  • Glutathione / metabolism
  • Lipid Peroxidation / drug effects*
  • Liver / metabolism
  • Liver / pathology*
  • Liver Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Mercuric Chloride / toxicity*
  • Mice
  • Necrosis
  • Ocimum / chemistry
  • Phytotherapy
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*

Substances

  • Plant Extracts
  • Mercuric Chloride
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase
  • Glutathione