Effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum gratissimum on sodium nitrite‑induced cerebellar cortex toxicity in adult Wistar rats

Abstract

Introduction: Intoxication of nitrites mainly from food and water constitute a potential hazard with a resultant hypoxia. Aim: The aim was to study the effects of ethanolic leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum on sodium nitrite (NaNO₂)‑induced cerebellar toxicity in adult Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty‑four adult Wistar rats weighing 150–250g were divided into six groups of four rats each. Group I was the control and received distilled water, Group II received 54 mg/kg body weight (bwt) of NaNO₂, Group III received 750 mg/kg bwt of the extract and 54 mg/kg bwt of NaNO₂, Group IV received 375 mg/kg bwt of the extract and 54 g/kg bwt of NaNO₂, Group V received 54 mg/kg bwt of NaNO₂ and 2 ml/kg bwt of olive oil, and Group VI received 2 ml/kg bwt of olive oil. The administration was by oral route and lasted for 21 days, after which the animals were sacrificed and blood collected for analyses, and the tissues were processed for histological studies. Results: The result showed a decrease in the mean bwt of the animals in Groups III and IV, a significant increase in serum levels of malondialdehyde and a decrease in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in Group II. The result of the hematological analysis showed a significant increase in red blood cells, white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (P < 0.05). The result of histological studies showed degenerative changes in Group II with less degeneration in Group IV. Conclusion: The result showed that O. gratissimum in a controlled manner may be useful in the management of neurodegenerative conditions that involve free radical generation and reduction in brain energy production.