Ocimum gratissimum

Infertility remains a major reproductive health concern, often influenced by hormonal imbalance and impaired uterine morphology. The present study evaluated the modulatory effects of Jatropha tanjorensis on fertility hormones and uterine structure in Ocimum gratissimum treated female Wistar rats. Thirty (30) adult female Wistar rats weighing 130–160g were randomly divided into five groups of six animals each. Group I served as control and received Food and water; Group II received Ocimum gratissimum extract (500 mg/kg); Group III received Jatropha tanjorensis extract (500 mg/kg); Group IV received a combined extract of both plants (500 mg/kg each); and Group V served as a Proginova-treated or recovery group. Extracts were administered orally for twenty-eight (28) days. Blood samples were collected for hormonal assay, and ovarian and uterine tissues were excised for histological evaluation.The results revealed that administration of O. gratissimum and J. tanjorensis significantly increased serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (p < 0.05), whereas estrogen and progesterone levels decreased across treatment groups when compared with control. Co-administration of both extracts produced an intermediate hormonal profile, suggesting partial modulation of the antifertility effects induced by O. gratissimum. Prolactin and testosterone levels were elevated, indicating possible disruption of steroidogenic enzyme activity. Histological examination of the uterus showed reduced endometrial thickness and mild stromal vacuolation in treated groups, consistent with hormonal findings.In conclusion, Jatropha tanjorensis and Ocimum gratissimum significantly influenced female reproductive hormones and uterine morphology. The combined administration resulted in moderated but persistent endocrine alterations, implying complex phytochemical interactions. These findings suggest that chronic or unregulated use of these plants for fertility enhancement may pose reproductive risks. Further molecular and mechanistic studies are recommended to elucidate their exact hormonal pathways.

Scent leaf is a common vegetable and spice in the diet of most Nigerians, cherished as a result of its contribution to health and sensory qualities. However, its safety is usually compromised especially because it is usually consumed raw or slightly cooked. Hence, this study was conducted to determine its microbiological quality. Samples of scent leaf (9) were randomly purchased from New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets in Benin. Each
sample was divided into 2- one group was washed with sterile distilled water and the other group was left unwashed and they were blended to aid homogenization. Samples
were analyzed for bacteria and yeasts using conventional plate culture procedures. This
was followed by the characterization of bacterial and fungal isolates using cultural and
biochemical characteristics. The identity of isolates were confirmed using Polymerase
Chain Reaction (PCR). The mean bacteria count (log10 cfu/g) across the three markets
for the unwashed samples was 2.30 while that of the washed was 1.92. For fungi, the
mean count in the unwashed scent leaf was 1.67 while that of the washed samples was
1.20. Statistically, there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in bacteria counts (log10
cfu/g) between the unwashed (2.27, 2.28 and 2.34) and washed scent leaves (1.96, 1.86
and 1.96) for New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets respectively. Significant differences
(P<0.05) were also recorded in fungal counts (log10 cfu/g) between the raw scent leaves (1.71, 1.66 and 1.63) and washed samples (1.25, 1.18 and 1.16) obtained from New Benin, Oba and Uselu markets respectively. Also, the bacteria count across the markets was always higher than the fungal count; an indication of more bacterial contamination. The bacteria isolated from the scent leaf samples were identified and was found to be Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli, Bacillus cereus, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PCR tests was carried out and
confirmed the identity of three of the isolates specifically as Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Cyanide poisoning poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health, leading to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as dyslipidemia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction. Ocimum gratissimum (OG), commonly known as scent leaf, is a medicinal plant with potential cardioprotective properties. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanol extract of OG on CVD risk factors in cyanide-induced rabbits. Fifteen rabbits were randomly divided into five groups: group one(drug), group two(ethanol extract), group three(ethanol extract), group four(cyanide), group five(control). Cyanide-induced rabbits were orally administered OG extract and drug (Sylimarin) for 21 days. Blood samples and organs(heart) were collected for biochemical analysis of CVD risk factors, including total protein profile, cholesterol levels, arterogenic coefficient, cardiac risk ratio, vitamin, and nitric oxides concentration. Certain experimental groups displayed promising changes, such as elevated HDL- C levels, improved endothelial function, and enhanced cardiac muscle function, others exhibited adverse alterations in lipid profile and endothelial function. These findings underscore the complex nature of herbal remedies and emphasize the importance of empirical validation to ensure their safety and efficacy in treating cardiovascular diseases.

This study investigated the chemical composition of Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) essential oils collected from Oredo, Ikpoba-Okha, and Ovia-North East Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. The aim was to comparatively evaluate the bioactive constituents and determine variations in phytochemical profiles that influence the plant’s medicinal and industrial applications. Essential oils were extracted using Soxhlet extraction with n-hexane and analyzed by Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC – MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The GC–MS results revealed a complex mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, monoterpenoids, phenolics, long-chain alkanes, fatty acids, esters, and sterols. Major bioactive compounds identified included thymol, caryophyllene oxide, o-cymene, neophytadiene, phytol, and squalene, with thymol emerging as the dominant bioactive constituent. Among the samples, Oredo extract showed higher concentrations of oxygenated terpenes and hydrocarbons, indicating stronger antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, while Ikpoba-Okha and Ovia-North samples exhibited broader chemical diversity. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of functional groups such as hydroxyl (–OH), carbonyl (C = O), and carbon – carbon double bonds(C = C), characteristic of phenolics, terpenoids, and aromatic compounds. These findings validate the therapeutic and aromatic relevance of O. gratissimum, highlighting its potential applications in medicine, cosmetics, and food industries. The study concludes that environmental and geographical factors significantly influence the chemical variability and quality of O. gratissimum essential

Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic condition that disrupts the normal regulation of glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism. Pancreatic lipase can contribute to diabetes by increasing the breakdown and absorption of dietary fats, which in turn raises free fatty acids in the bloodstream. These fatty acids cause lipotoxicity, damaging pancreatic β-cells and decreasing their ability to produce insulin. This study investigated the anti-pancreatic lipase potential of the aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum by identifying its phytochemical constituents through Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and evaluating their molecular interactions with pancreatic lipase using in silico techniques. Results from the study showed the presence of twenty-seven (27) phytocompounds identified from the aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum using GC-MS technique. The most abundant phytocompounds from the plant were Supraene (17.71%), Glycerin (11.38%), 1,4-Dimethoxy-2,3-dimethylbenzene (8.07%), N-Butyl acetamide (7.11%), and Thymol (5.86%). To assess their anti-pancreatic lipase potential, all twenty-seven phytocompounds and the standard drug (Orlistat) were docked with pancreatic lipase to evaluate their binding interactions with the protein. Several of the bioactive compounds demonstrated stronger binding affinity with protein in comparism with the standard. However, α-Selinene (-6.5 kcal/mol), and β-Selinene (-7.1 kcal/mol), demonstrated the strongest binding interaction

This study investigates the antimicrobial effects of the essential oil extracted from Ocimum gratissimum commonly known as scent leaf on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. With increasing concerns over antibiotic resistance, the search for alternative natural antimicrobial agents has intensified. Ocimum gratissimum is a well-known medicinal plant used traditionally in many African and Asian communities for treating infections and inflammatory diseases. The essential oil was extracted using standard distillation methods and tested against bacterial strains including Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) using the agar well diffusion method. The results showed that the essential oil demonstrated considerable inhibitory effects on both bacterial types, with slightly higher activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The study confirms the potential of Ocimum gratissimum essential oil as a natural antimicrobial agent and supports its traditional use in treating bacterial infections. Further studies are recommended to isolate active compounds and evaluate theirmechanisms of action

Occimim gratissimum, a plant with a history of traditional medicinal use, has gained attention for its reported anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. However, its effects on the male reproductive system, in particularly on testosterone levels and testicular histology, remain largely unexplored. This study employed a controlled
experimental design using male Wistar rats divided into four groups: Control, Low Dose, Medium Dose, and High Dose, receiving different dosages of Occimim gratissimum leaf extract. Testosterone levels were measured, and testicular histology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In the Low Dose group (100 mg/kg), a significant decrease in testosterone levels was observed (Mean ± SD = 0.2617 ± 0.09 ng/ml), accompanied by increased Leydig cell population and active interstitial congestion. The Medium Dose group (300 mg/kg) showed no significant changes in testosterone levels (Mean ± SD = 1.142 ± 0.525 ng/ml) but exhibited similar Leydig cell responses and interstitial congestion. The High
Dose group (500 mg/kg) displayed no major disruptions in testosterone levels (Mean ± SD = 0.3887 ± 0.109 ng/ml)
or testicular histology. The results suggest that Occimim gratissimum leaf extract may have dose-dependent effects on
testosterone production and Leydig cell populations. However, the extract did not severely disrupt the spermatogenic process or testicular tissue. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind these changes and their implications for male reproductive health