The effect of oral consumption of Ocimum basilicum L. leaf extract on blood glucose, lipids profiles and liver enzymes in fructose-fed male rats

Since Ocimum basilicumL. is used as a traditional herbal medicine, this study was carried out to evaluate the effect of aqueous and metanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum leaf on blood glucose, lipid profiles and liver enzymes in fructose-fed male rats. The experiment was performed on 32 Wistar-Albino rats including one control group (A) and three tests groups (B, C and D). Test groups consumed fructose-enriched water and received zero and 20mg/kg aqueous and metabolic extract daily and respectively for 60 days but control group consumed tap water in treatment duration. At the end, serum glucose, insulin, liver enzymes and lipid profile were measured. The obtained data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey tests. Results were expressed as mean ± SE and significant differences were found at 0.05% level of probability. Our findings showed that insulin resistance index, insulin and FBS in tests groups significantly increased compared with those of group A; however, serum insulin value in group D significantly increased compared with that of group B and C. On the other hand, AST (aspartate aminotransfrase) and ALT (alanine amino transferase) values in group D significantly decreased compared with those of the B and C groups. Also, the value of LDL in group C was significantly lower in comparison to other test groups. The results of this study showed that consumption of Ocimum basilicumleaf extract had an effect on LDL and liver enzymes in fructose-fed male rats.