Aim of Study: The aim of this study was to establish a relationship between the anti-inflammatory
activities of the methanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum leaves (MEOS) with its fractions and to
effectively delineate the possible mechanisms of action for MEOS.
Materials and Methods: The anti-inflammatory activities of MEOS along with its components like
petroleum ether and chloroform fractions were evaluated in a Carrageenan induced model of acute
inflammation. The effect of MEOS on lipopolysaccharide induced production of nitric oxide (NO) in
macrophages was also studied both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Results: MEOS (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced Carrageenan induced
paw edema; chloroform fraction was most potent in this task (66%, p < 0.001). MEOS was non-toxic
up to 125 microgm/ml in mouse peritoneal macrophages wherein it (0–100 microgm/ml) reduced
lipopolysaccharide induced NO production also.
Conclusion: MEOS possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Chloroform fraction of MEOS
showed best anti-inflammatory activity in this study.
Author(s) Details
Dr. P. Mallick
Department of Microbiology, Asutosh College, Kolkata, India.
P. Basak
School of Bioscience and Engineering, Jadavpur University, India.
S. Mazumder
Department of Biomedical Engineering, SODEXO Technical Services India Pvt. Ltd., India.
LATE DR. A. S. Verma
Jadavpur University, India.
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