Anti-Asthmatic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ocimum sanctum

Abstract

The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the volatile and fixed oils of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated against histamine- and acetylcholine-in-duced pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. The 50% ethanol extract of fresh leaves, volatile oil extracted from fresh leaves and fixed oil from the seeds significantly protected the guinea pigs against histamine- and acetylcholine-induced PCD. These extracts also inhibited hind paw edema induced in rats by treatment with carrageenan, serotonin, histamine or PGE₂. However, the 50% ethanol extract of dried leaves did not protect the guinea pigs against histamine-induced PCD.