Anti-Arthrithic Potentials of Ethanol Extract of Ocimum gratissimum Leaf

Abstract

Arthritis is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease characterized by chronic, symmetric and erosive synovitis associated with combination of a genetic background and environmental triggers leading to defects in immuno regulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the anti-arthritic potential of ethanol extract of O. gratissimum leaf. The fresh leaves of Ocimum gratissimum were collected and extracted with 70% ethanol. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, 2,2-Diphenyl 1picrylhydazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, in-vitro protein denaturation (bovine serum albumin (BSA) and egg albumin) activity of Ocimum gratissimum leaf were carried out using standard procedures. The results of the qualitative analysis revealed the presences of alkaloids, saponins, phenols, flavonoids and tannins. The quantitative analysis showed that saponins had the highest result followed by phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids. DPPH free radical scavenging activity of ascorbic acid displayed a higher percentage (%) inhibition compared to the extract. The IC50 value of ascorbic acid was 0.55 mg/mL while that of the extract was found to be 0.77 mg/mL. The Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract had a dose dependent response in the protein denaturation activity by BSA and egg albumin assay with the highest activity showed by the extract at 500μg/mL. In conclusion, the phytochemicals may have contributed to the anti-arthritic activity of the extract by controlling the production of auto-antigens and inhibiting protein denaturation.