The Effect of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Ocimum basilicum on CaCl2-Induced Cardiac Arrhythmias in Rats

Ocimum basilicum (OB) contains more than 30 plant species that are found in different regions, especially in Africa. OB contains various substances, especially Chavikol, Methyl Ether or Strangol, Linalool, and Agenol, which have antioxidant, antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and anti-lipid properties. On the other hand, along with lifestyle changes, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, such as arrhythmias, which cause high mortality, is increasing. Moreover, the modern drugs used for arrhythmia can also induce another type of abnormal heart rhythm. Regarding the effectiveness and fewer side effects of herbal medicine, we decided to study the preventive effects of hydro-alcoholic extract of OB on CaCl2-induced arrhythmias in rats. Male rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into the control group (2 weeks, normal saline, gavage) and three groups receiving different concentrations of hydro-alcoholic extract of OB (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, gavage for 2 weeks). The arrhythmia model was established using CaCl2 (IV, 140 mg/kg). The number of ventricular fibrillation (VF), ventricular premature (PVC), and ventricular tachycardia (VT) were studied. Also, the oxidative stress parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured in heart tissue samples. Statistical analysis was done using Fisher’s exact test and ANOVA, and also, P < 0.05 was considered as a significant level. The obtained results showed that administration of OB caused a decrease in MDA and an increase in SOD levels, which were associated with improved electrocardiogram parameters and reduced cardiac arrhythmias, which suggests the therapeutic potential of the plant in cardiovascular disorders.