OCIMUM BASILICUM

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a widely utilized medicinal herb recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective phytochemicals; however, its renal safety profile under normal physiological conditions remains inadequately characterized. This study evaluated the effect of ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaves on kidney function parameters in healthy female Wistar rats. Thirty rats were randomly distributed into five groups (n=6 per group): a control group receiving distilled water and four test groups administered 300, 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/kg body weight of Basil extract orally for 21 days. At the end of the treatment period, serum samples were analyzed for electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate) and markers of renal function (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) using standard biochemical protocols. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results revealed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the groups for all evaluated parameters, though mild dose-dependent fluctuations were observed, all remaining within normal physiological ranges. Sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate concentrations exhibited no notable disturbances, indicating maintained electrolyte and acid-base balance, while urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels remained stable, suggesting preserved glomerular filtration and tubular function. These findings suggest that sub- chronic administration of ethanolic Sweet Basil leaf extract at doses up to 1500 mg/kg does not adversely affect renal biochemical indices in normal female Wistar rats, demonstrating its relative safety under non-pathological conditions. It is concluded that Ocimum basilicum is safe within the tested dosage and duration; however, further research incorporating histopathological assessment, molecular markers of renal function, longer durations of administration, and diseased models is recommended to fully validate its renal safety and therapeutic potential.

This research explored the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil derived from Ocimum basilicum Linn. (Sweet Basil). The oil was obtained through
hydrodistillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus, producing a 0.71% (v/w) average yield of a light-yellow, aromatic extract. Chemical profiling carried out with Gas Chromatography– Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed nine major constituents, with estragole (46.12%), eucalyptol (16.87%), and linalool (10.45%) as the predominant compounds, supported by smaller amounts of eugenol, thymol, β-caryophyllene, bisabolene, and τ-cadinol. The antimicrobial properties of the oil were assessed using agar well diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays against selected bacterial and fungal strains. Results indicated that the oil displayed dose-dependent inhibitory activity, showing marked effects against Staphylococcus aureus (19 mm), Bacillus subtilis (18 mm), Candida albicans (17 mm), and Aspergillus niger (21 mm), while Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited resistance. The observed antimicrobial efficacy was linked to the synergistic actions of oxygenated monoterpenes and phenylpropanoids in the oil. These findings demonstrate that O. basilicum essential oil exhibits strong antimicrobial potential, especially toward Gram-positive bacterial and fungal organisms, thereby validating its traditional medicinal applications. The dominance of estragole and eucalyptol suggests the Nigerian-grown species belongs to the estragole–eucalyptol chemotype. In summary, the study establishes O. basilicum oil as a viable natural antimicrobial candidate with promising applications in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic industries, contributing to sustainable strategies against antimicrobial resistance.