EVALUATION OF SUB-CHRONIC EFFECT OF ETHANOL LEAF EXTRACT OF Ocimum canum ON LIPID PARAMETERS, HEART HISTOLOGY AND FEED CONSUMPTON OF WISTER RATS

Ocimum canum ON LIPID PARAMETERS, HEART HISTOLOGY AND FEED CONSUMPTON OF WISTER RATS

Abstract

The human heart is an organ that circulates blood throughout the body, giving oxygen and nutrition to tissues while eliminating carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Ocimum canum is a plant that is commonly used in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa to treat ailments such as infection, discomfort, and diarrhea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate how Ocimum canum affects the heart, lipid profile and feed consumption of Wister rats after 28 days of oral treatment of the extract. Animals of either sexes were chosen. Group 1 received distilled water (10 ml/kg), while groups 2, 3, and 4 received 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg of Ocimum canum, respectively. Animals were kept in conventional cages and provided oral access to the extract, water, and food for 28 days before being weighed and slaughtered.  Blood was drawn via heart puncture and immediately sent for hematological and chemopathological investigation. The plant's histological cardiotoxic potential was investigated using the haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining technique. There was a substantial (P<0.05) drop in RBC, HGB, and MCV, but no change in neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, or platelets. The extract did not create a significant (P<0.05) change in cholesterol, LDL, or triglyceride levels, but it did induce a substantial increase in HDL levels. Histological examination of cardiac tissue confirms other parameters. The results indicated that the plant may not be cardiotoxic. More study may be required to establish its use in the treatment of cardiovascular disease.