Biology and Medicine

Abstract

Protective effect of Ocimum sanctum on lipid peroxidation, nucleic acids and protein against restraint stress in male albino rats

I Tabassum, ZN Siddiqui, SJ Rizvi

Effect of restraint stress on brain oxidative stress parameters and their modulation by Ocimum sanctum Linn (OS) were evaluated in male albino rats. Rats were subjected to restraint / immobilization stress 3h/day for 6 consecutive days. Post administration of aqueous extract of OS (100 mg/kg for 6 consecutive days) was given following restraint stress. MDA a marker of lipid peroxidation, nucleic acids and proteins were estimated in cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem. Exposure to restraint stress caused a significant elevation in the rate of lipid peroxidation, reduction in nucleic acids and proteins as compared to control in all three regions of brain of male albino rats. Post treatment of aqueous extract of OS prevented the stress induced changes in these biochemical parameters. The results of the study indicate the protective nature of OS on different regions of brain against the detrimental effect of restraint stress