Toxicological Evaluation of Sub-Chronic Administration of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Ocimum canum on Lipid Parameters, Heart Histology and Feed Consumption of Wistar Rats

Abstract

Ocimum canum is a plant that is commonly used in many parts of SubSaharan Africa to treat ailments such as infection, discomfort, and diarrhea.
The study was aimed to evaluate the sub-chronic toxicity of Ocimum canum
on the heart, lipid profile and feed consumption in Wister rats after oral
administration of the leaf 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 significant (P<0.05) drop in RBC, HGB, and MCV,
but no change in neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, or platelets. The
extract did not cause 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.