Anti - Inflammatory Potential of the Seeds of Ocimum basilicum Linn. in Rats

In the present study, the effect of the seeds of the plant Ocimum basilicum Linn. on inflammation induced by histamine and prostaglandins was studied. A total of 60 rats divided in 10 groups were used in this study. The experimental design was approved by IAEC. The increase in paw edema served as the index of inflammation and was measured using digital vernier calipers after injecting various edemogens such as histamine and PGF2α. Petroleum ether fraction (400mg/kg, p.o) and ethanolic fraction (400mg/kg, p.o) of the seeds of Ocimum basilicum Linn. significantly inhibited the paw edema produced by histamine and PGF2-α. These findings reveal that the seeds of the plant Ocimum basilicum Linn. possesses potent anti-inflammatory activity.