Phytochemical analysis and hepatoprotective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition and hepatoprotective potential of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Scent leaf). Freshly harvested leaves of O. gratissinum were thoroughly washed with tap water before being dried at room temperature after which there were ground to fine powder. 50g of the powdered plant sample was soaked in 100 ml of distilled water for 30 minutes. The resulting extract was filtered and the filtrate concentrated by gentle evaporation. Evaluation of the phytochemical composition and hepatoprotective potential of the extract were determined by standard methods. Phytochemical analysis on the extract revealed the presence of tannins (49.19±2.86mg/100g), saponins (42.28±2.85mg/100g), flavonoids (24.05±2.02mg/100g), steroids (38.89±1.06mg/100g), phenols (25.55±2.36mg/100g) and alkaloids (21.02±1.03mg/100g). However, serum hepatomarkers of animals in group 2 orally administered with only CCl4 was elevated thus: AST (110.1±2.34 IU/L), ALT (45.4±2.9 IU/L), ALP (63.4±4.86 IU/L) and TB (2.6±0.87 IU/L) compared to those of group 1 reported thus: AST (90.3±2.12 IU/L), ALT (35.3±4.34 IU/L), ALP (40.2±3.91 IU/L) and TB (0.2-1.31 IU/L) that was administered with only 2ml/kg of distilled water. However, administration of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg b.w of extract significantly shielded the liver evident by the dose dependent reduction in the levels of the serum hepatomarkers of animals in groups 3-5 respectively. In conclusion, Ocimum gratissimum habours compound (s) with hepatoprotective potentials, and thus should be explored to enhance benefits.