Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of Ocimum Sanctum Fixed Oil

Abstract

Different parts of Ocimum sanctum have been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory for the treatment of acute and chronic inflammation. The anti-inflammatory activity of the fixed oil of Ocimum sanctum was investigated by carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats following intraperitoneal as well as local administration. Observation revealed that the oil in doses of 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 ml/kg (i.p.),significantly reduced carrageenin-induced paw edema in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition by the higher dose (3.0 ml/kg) of oil was comparable to that observed with standard drug, phenylbutazone (100mg/kg). When fixed oil (0.1 ml) was administered with carrageenin (0.1 ml) as a mixture into rat paw, it was observed that the edema was significantly reduced, and the effect was similar to identical administration of phenylbutazone (10 mg) and carrageenin. The oil also reduced typhoid-paratyphoid A/B vaccine-induced pyrexia and, at a dose level of 3.0 ml/kg, the antipyretic activity was similar to that of aspirin (100 mg/ kg). The LD₅₀ value as observed in the acute toxicity study in mice was 42.5 ml/kg. Sub-acute toxicity did not indicate any significant untoward effect following administration for a longer period.

Keywords::

• Ocimum sanctum
• fixed oil
• anti-inflammatory
• antipyretic