Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ocimum Basilicum Linn. Seeds Hydroalcoholic Extract and Mucilage on Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats

Seeds of Ocimum basilicum (Basil) have many phytochemical components with anti- inflammatory and antioxidant property like its leaves. Aim of this study was to determine anti-inflammatory effect of O. basilicum seeds extract (OBSE) and mucilage (OBSM) on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats. Three doses of OBSE and OBSM (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) were administered orally to separate groups of male Wistar rats, 2 h before ulcer induction (acetic acid 4%) and continued for 5 days. Normal saline (5 ml/kg) and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) were administered in control and reference groups, respectively. All rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last dose (at sixth day) and tissue injuries were assessed macroscopically, pathologically and for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. All three doses of OBSM and OBSE reduced ulcer score, area and index as well as weight of wet colonic tissue compared to the control group significantly. In addition, OBSM (at three doses) and OBSE (400 mg/kg) were statistically effective in attenuation of mucosal inflammation severity and extent, crypt damage, total colitis index, and mono-amino oxidase (MPO) activity compared with controls. While both fractions were effective in amelioration of colitis in rats, OBSM was more effective than OBSE especially with greater doses (200, 400 mg/kg). It seems that mucilage form of O. basilicum could exert more protection against oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators in colitis tissue suggesting a suitable candidate for colitis prevention or treatment as alternative or complementary therapy.