Assessment of Ethanolic Extract of Ocimum sanctum Whole Plant (OSWP) in Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage in Rats

Hina Imran¹, Tehmina Sohail², Rashid Ali Khan³, Wasif Iqbal⁴, Maimoona Rahman⁵

Keywords: O. sanctum whole plant (OSWP), ethanol-induced ulcer model, ulcer index, % protection

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0153

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i2.0153

Publish Date: 22-09-2025

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Pages: 406 - 411

Downloads: 2

Citation: 0

Author Affiliation:

1 Senior Medical Officer, PCSIR Labs Complex, Karachi, Pakistan
2 Senior Scientific Officer, PCSIR Labs Complex, Karachi, Pakistan
3 Chief Scientific Officer, HOC-PRC, PCSIR Labs Complex, Karachi, Pakistan
4 Associate Professor, Vice Principal, Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
5 Staff, PCSIR Labs Complex, Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Previously, Ocimum sanctum (Lamiaceae), commonly known as holy basil, has been noted for its anti-ulcer properties, primarily attributed to its oil and leaf extracts. However, the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract derived from the whole plant has not been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the antiulcer effect of the ethanolic extract of O. sanctum whole plant (OSWP) in an experimental ulcer model.

Methods: The study, conducted at PCSIR Labs Complex in Karachi in August 2024, was approved by the Ethical Use of Experimental Animals Committee (IEC/OSWP-05). This study investigates the anti-ulcer activity of an ethanolic extract of OSWP in a rat model of ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage at 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight, with ranitidine (50 mg/kg) used as a positive control. Outcome measures included ulcer index (UI), percentage protection, and gastric pH.

Results: The ethanolic extract of OSWP demonstrated dose-dependent gastroprotective effects. At 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg, the UIs were 9.49 ± 2.40, 4.55 ± 1.44, and 2.5 ±2.25, respectively, with corresponding protection ranging from 48.9% to 86.54% for the 200 to 400 mg/kg doses (p < 0.05). Gastric pH increased from 5.6 to 7.6. In comparison, ranitidine (50 mg/kg) resulted in a UI of 4.0 ± 0.88, 78.47% protection (p < 0.05), and a pH of 7.0.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates the dose-dependent anti-ulcer activity in the ethanolic extract of OSWP, which may be further developed as a potential anti-ulcer agent. A graphical presentation of the whole experimental process is shown in Figure 1.

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