Studies on some biochemical and histological changes associated with long term consumption of leaves of Ocimum gratissimum L. in male rats.

摘要

Ocimum gratissimum (African or wild basil) is 1 of the most commonly consumed vegetables in Africa. This study investigated changes in some biochemical and histological parameters in male rats fed with an O. gratissimum-supplemented diet for 6 months. Biochemical parameters studied include serum protein, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, haemoglobin and white blood cells. Histological characteristics of tissue sections of liver, intestines and testes were also examined. Body wt. of the animals increased significantly (P < 0.05) over the controls. There were also significant reductions (P < 0.05) in serum protein, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation and haemoglobin. Superoxide dismutase was also significantly increased (P < 0.05) while changes in glutathione-S-transferase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were not significant. White blood cell counts significantly increased (P < 0.05). Histological changes in the intestines revealed the presence of increased villi and larger globlet cells. The testes also showed increased number of sperm cells and spermatogonia while there were no visible changes in the histology of the liver.