Journal of Natural Remedies

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access

The Use of Ocimum gratissimum L. in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Ailments


Affiliations
1 Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
2 Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
3 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
 

Diseases that affect the digestive tract are referred to as Gastrointestinal ailments. Gastrointestinal (GI) ailments contribute substantially to healthcare costs all over the world. Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as African basil is a wellknown medicinal herb with a wide therapeutic potential. In most West African homes, it is employed as a home remedy for treating GI ailments such as diarrhoea, colitis, stomach ulcers, bloating, among several other conditions. Anecdotal reports support its efficacy in the treatment of these disease conditions. This review summarizes ethnomedicinal data for the use of O. gratissimum in the management of gastrointestinal ailments, and its potential clinical application based on its pharmacological activity.

Keywords

Ocimum gratissimum, African Basil, Gastrointestinal Ailments, Pharmacological Activity.
Font Size

User

Notifications
JOURNAL COVERS
  

  • Fletcher SM, McLaws M-L, Ellis JT. Prevalence of gastrointestinal pathogens in developed and developing countries: systematic review and metaanalysis. Int J Public Health Res. 2013; 2(1):42–53. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140330/

  • Peery AF, Crockett SD, Murphy CC, Lund JL, Dellon ES, Williams JL, et al. Burden and cost of gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic diseases in the United States: Update 2018. Gastroenterology. 2019; 156(1):254–72. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30315778/

  • Fletcher SM, Stark D, Ellis J. Prevalence of gastrointestinal pathogens in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic review and meta-analysis. J Public Health Afr. 2011; 2(2e30):127–37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4140330/

  • Goh KL. Changing trends in gastrointestinal disease in the Asia–Pacific region. J Dig Dis. 2007; 8(4):179–85. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17970873/

  • Borokini TI, Omotayo FO. Phytochemical and ethnobotanical study of some selected medicinal plants from Nigeria. J Med Plant Res. 2012; 6(7):1106–18. https://academicjournals.org/journal/JMPR/article-abstract/BFF9ABA26100.

  • Bako SP, Bakfur MJ, John I, Bala EI. Ethnomedicinal and phytochemical profile of some savanna plant species in Nigeria. Int J Botany. 2005; 1(2):147–50. https://scialert.net/fulltext/?doi=ijb.2005.147.150.

  • Pandey S, Shukla A, Pandey S, Pandey A. An overview of resurrecting herb ‘Sanjeevani’ (Selaginella bryopteris) and its pharmacological and ethnomedicinal uses. J Pharm Innov. 2017; 6(2):11–4. https://www.thepharmajournal.com/archives/?year=2017&vol=6&issue=2&ArticleId=939.

  • Singh AK. Seedling morphology of four species of Ocimum L. (Lamiaceae) and its taxonomic significance. Bangladesh J Plant Taxon. 2012; 19(1):89–92. https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJPT/article/view/10946.

  • Prabhu KS, Lobo R, Shirwaikar AA, Shirwaikar A. Ocimum gratissimum: A Review of its Chemical, Pharmacological and Ethnomedicinal Properties. The Open Complementary Medicine Journal. 2009; 1:1–15. https://benthamopen.com/ABSTRACT/TOALTMEDJ-1-1.

  • Effraim KD, Jacks TW, Sodipo OA. Histopathological studies on the toxicity of Ocimum gratissimum leave extract on some organs of rabbit. Afr J Biomed Res. 2003; 6:21–5. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ajbr/article/view/54018.

  • Venuprasad MP, Kandikattu HK, Razack S, Khanum F. Phytochemical analysis of Ocimum gratissimum by LC-ESI–MS/MS and its antioxidant and anxiolytic effects. S Afr J Bot. 2014; 92(5):151–8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0254629914000386.

  • Orwa C, Mutua A, Kindt R, Simons A, Jamnadass RH. Agroforestree database: A tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. World Agroforestry Centre, Kenya. 2009; https://www.worldagroforestry.org/publication/agroforestree-database-tree-species-reference-and-selection-guide-version-40.

  • Pandey S. Phytochemical constituents, pharmacological and traditional uses of Ocimum gratissimum L. in tropics. Indo Am J Pharm. 2017; 4(11):4234–42. https://zenodo.org/record/1056925#. X8bPE85xfIU.

  • Aniama SO, Usman SS, Ayodele SM. Ethnobotanical documentation of some plants among Igala people of Kogi State. Int J Eng Sci. 2016; 5(4):33–42. http://www. theijes.com/papers/v5-i4/version-2/F050402033042. pdf.

  • Singh TT, Devi AR, Sharma HR, HM S. Plants used in the treatment of stomach problems by the scheduled caste community of Andro Village in Imphal East District, Manipur, India. Int J Curr Res Acad Rev. 2015; 4(1):23–38. http://www.ijcrar.com/ abstractview.php?ID=3&vol=4-1-2016&SNo=3.

  • Nazer M, Abbaszadeh S, Darvishi M, Kheirollahi A, Shahsavari S, Moghadasi M. The most important herbs used in the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in traditional medicine. Sudan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2019; 14(2):41–64. https://www. researchgate.net/publication/334183174_The_Most_ Important_Herbs_Used_in_the_Treatment_of_ Sexually_Transmitted_Infections_in_Traditional_ Medicine.

  • Kalita J, Khan ML. Commercial potentialities of essential oil of Ocimum members growing in North East India. Int J Pharm Life Sci. 2013; 4(4):2559–67. http://www.ijplsjournal.com/issues%20PDF%20files/ april-2013/7.pdf.

  • Nweze E, Eze E. Justification for the use of Ocimum gratissimum L in herbal medicine and its interaction with disc antibiotics. BMC Complement. Med. Ther. 2009. https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/ articles/10.1186/1472-6882-9–37.

  • Akinmoladun AC, Ibukun EO, Afor E, Obuotor EM, Farombi EO. Phytochemical constituent and antioxidant activity of extract from the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum. Sci Res Essays. 2007; 2(5):163–6. https://academicjournals.org/article/article1380191019_Akinmoladun%20%20et%20al. pdf.

  • Adeniyi SA, Orjiekwe CL, Ehiagbonare JE, Arimah BD. Preliminary phytochemical analysis and insecticidal activity of ethanolic extracts of four tropical plants (Vernonia amygdalina, Sida acuta, Ocimum gratissimum and Telfaria occidentalis) against beans weevil (Acanthscelides obtectus). Int J Phys Sci. 2010; 5(6):753–92. https://academicjournals.org/article/article1380786949_Adeniyi%20et%20al.pdf.

  • Mann A. Phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial and grain protectant activities of Clove Basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.) grown in Nigeria. Int J Plant Res. 2012; 2(1):51–8. http://article.sapub. org/10.5923.j.plant.20120201.08.html.

  • Padalia RC, Verma RS. Comparative volatile oil composition of four Ocimum species from northern India. Nat Prod Res. 2011; 25(6):569–75. https:// pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21409717/.

  • Tchoumbougnang F, Amvam Zollo PH, Dagne E, Mekonnen Y. In vivo antimalarial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei. Planta Med. 2005; 71(1):20–3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15678368/.

  • Ayodele OD, Oyegbade O, Oseni SR. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activities of dry and fresh leaves of Petivera alliacea and Ocimum gratissimum. Int J Sci: Basic appl. 2015; 24(3):1–13. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/282849064_ Phytochemical_Analysis_and_Antioxidant_Activities_of_Dry_and_Fresh_Leaves_of_Petivera_ alliacea_and_Ocimum_gratissimum

  • Akinyemi KO, Oladapo O, Okwara CE, Ibe CC, KA F. Screening of crude extracts of six medicinal plants used in South-West Nigerian unorthodox medicine for anti-methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus activity. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2005; 5(6):1–7. https://bmccomplementmedtherapies. biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-5-6.

  • Ekunwe SN, Thomas MS, Luo X, Wang H, Chen Y, Zhang X, et al. Potential cancer-fighting Ocimum gratissimum (og) leaf extracts: Increased antiproliferation activity of partially purified fractions and their spectral fingerprints. Ethn Dis. 2010; 20:S112–16 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20521378/.

  • Alabi QK, Akomolafe RO, Omole JG, Adefisayo MA, Ogundipe OL, Aturamu A, et al. Polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves ameliorates colitis via attenuating colonic mucosa injury and regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018; 103(7):812–22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29684860.

  • Ekwenchi MM, Oluigbo AAJ. Antibacterial activity of n-hexane extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves. J Appl Chem. 2014; 7(5):6–10. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Antibacterial-Activityof- n-Hexane-Extract-of-Ekwenchi-Oluigbo/ede2564 ed57884db8448484d5b05ec382b1ade43?p2df.

  • Amadi EN, Njoku OO, Okereke CN, Ndubuisi JL, Oguoma OI. Pharmachological use of Ocimum gratissimum in peptic ulcer diseases (PUD) treatment. Int J Eng Res. 2014; 4(6):450–5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304157338_ PHARMACHOLOGICAL_USE_OF_OCIMUM_ GRATISSIMUM_IN_PEPTIC_ULCER_DISEASES_PUD_TREATMENT.

  • Kin A, Yaki LM, Abubakar I, Olusola LF, Zubairu R. Antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) on some pathogenic gastrointestinal bacteria. Afr J Microbiol Res. 2018; 12(40):923–9. https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJMR/articleabstract/7179E0359161.

  • Chimnoi N, Reuk-Ngam N, Chuysinuan P, Khlaychan P, Khunnawutmanotham N, Chokchaichamnankit D, et al. Characterization of essential oil from Ocimum gratissimum leaves: Antibacterial and mode of action against selected gastroenteritis pathogens. Microb Pathog. 2018; 118(5):290–300. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29578062/.

  • Nweze EI, Eze EE. Justification for the use of Ocimum gratissimum L in herbal medicine and its interaction with disc antibiotics. BioMed Central Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2009; 9(37):1–6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2762446/.

  • Ilori M, Sheteolu AO, Omonigbehin EA, Adeneye AA. Antidiarrhoeal activities of Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae). J Diarrhoeal Dis Res. 1996; 14(4):283–5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9203793/.

  • Nakamura CV, Ueda-Nakamura T, Bando E, Melo AFM, Cortez DAG, Dias Filho BP, et al. Antibacterial activity of Ocimum gratissimum L. essential oil. Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. 1999; 94(5):675–8. https://www.scielo.br/pdf/mioc/v94n5/3781.pdf.

  • Akah PA, John-Africa L, Nworu CS. Gastroprotective properties of the leaf extracts of Ocimum gratissimum L. against experimental ulcers in rat.Int. J. Pharmacol. 2007; 3(6):461–7. https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijp.2007.461.467.

  • Amadi EN, Njoku OO, Okereke CN, Ndubuisi JL, Oguoma OI. Pharmachological use of Ocimum gratissimum in peptic ulcer diseases (pud) treatment. Int J Eng Res.. 2014; 4(6):450-5. https:// www.researchgate.net/publication/304157338_PHARMACHOLOGICAL_USE_OF_OCIMUM_GRATISSIMUM_IN_PEPTIC_ULCER_DISEASES_PUD_TREATMENT.

  • Gege-Adebayo GI, Igbokwe VU, Shafe MO, Akintayo CO, Mbaka DI. Anti-ulcer effect of Ocimum gratissimum on indomethacin induced ulcer and percentage of superoxide dismutase on wistar rats. Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences.2013; 4(1): 8–12. https://www.researchgate. net/publication/281121765_Gege-Adebayo_ GI_Igbokwe_VU_Shafe_MO_Akintayo_CO_ and_Mbaka_DI_Anti-ulcer_effect_of_ocimum_ gratissimum_on_indomethacin_induced_ulcer_ and_percentage_of_superoxide_dismutase_on_ wistar_rats_Journal_of_Medi

  • Nwangwu S, Ajeigbe K, Omotoso D, Josiah S, Olayanju A. Acid buffering effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum L. in the rabbit stomach. The Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology. 2013; 24(3):204–10. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24226712/.

  • Tanko Y, Magaji GM, Yerima M, Magaji RA, Mohammed A. Anti-nociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Labiate ) in rodents. Afr JTradit Complement Altern Med. 2008; 5(2):141–6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2816535/.

  • Ajayi AM, Umukoro S, Ben-Azu B, Adzu B, OG A. Toxicity and protective effect of phenolic-enriched ethylacetate fraction of Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) leaf against acute inflammation and oxidative stress in rats. Drug Dev Res. 2017; 78(3):135–45. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28608491/.

  • Ajayi AM, Ologe MO, Ben-Azu B, Okhale SE, Adzu B, Ademowo GO. Ocimum gratissimum Linn. Leaf extract inhibits free radical generation and suppressed inflammation in carrageenan-inducedinflammation models in rats. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2017; 28(6):531–41. https://doi.org/10.1515/jbcpp-2016- 0096.

  • Udoha MU, Okolie NJ, Ijioma SN. Anthelmintic activity of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract in Heligmosomoides bakeri infected experimental mice. Ann Biol Sci. 2015; 3(4):1–7. https://www.imedpub. com/articles/anthelmintic-activity-of-ocimumgratissimum- leaf-extract-in-heligmosomoidesbakeri- infected-experimental-mice.pdf.

  • Offiah VN, Chikwendu UA. Antidiarrhoeal effects of Ocimum gratissimum leaf extract in experimental animals. J Ethnopharmacol. 1999; 68(1–3):327–30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10624896.

  • Alabi QK, Akomolafe RO, Omole JG, Adefisayo MA, Ogundipe OL, Aturamu A, et al. Polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves ameliorates colitis via attenuating colonic mucosa injury and regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines production and oxidative stress. Biomed Pharmacother. 2018; 103:812–22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29684860/.


Abstract Views: 396

PDF Views: 290




  • The Use of Ocimum gratissimum L. in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Ailments

Abstract Views: 396  |  PDF Views: 290

Authors

Emelia Oppong Bekoe
Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
Gladys Schwinger
Department of Plant and Environmental Biology, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
Cindy Kitcher
Department of Pharmacognosy and Herbal Medicine, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana
Alexander Nyarko
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Ghana

Abstract


Diseases that affect the digestive tract are referred to as Gastrointestinal ailments. Gastrointestinal (GI) ailments contribute substantially to healthcare costs all over the world. Ocimum gratissimum, commonly known as African basil is a wellknown medicinal herb with a wide therapeutic potential. In most West African homes, it is employed as a home remedy for treating GI ailments such as diarrhoea, colitis, stomach ulcers, bloating, among several other conditions. Anecdotal reports support its efficacy in the treatment of these disease conditions. This review summarizes ethnomedicinal data for the use of O. gratissimum in the management of gastrointestinal ailments, and its potential clinical application based on its pharmacological activity.

Keywords


Ocimum gratissimum, African Basil, Gastrointestinal Ailments, Pharmacological Activity.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18311/jnr%2F2021%2F26507