The effect of hydroalcoholic extract of basil (Ocimum basilicum) on colonic mucosa morphometry and diarrhea caused by castor oil in male rats

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), which has antispasmodic properties, has been introduced in traditional medicine as a suitable medicine for diarrhea and vomiting. The present study was performed to determine the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of basil on colon histology and severity of diarrhea in rats.

In this experimental study, 56 male Wistar 200±5 g rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups. Solvent group (physiological serum), diphenoxylate group (5 mg/kg), and five groups receiving basil hydroalcoholic extract in doses (100, 200, 400, 600, 800 mg/kg). One hour after taking the drugs, castor oil 2 ml per animal was fed by gavage. The animals were then kept in separate cages for 4 hours and the indicators of excretion number, weight loss percentage, fecal water content and inhibition percentage were recorded. Mice were anesthetized with ether one hour after diarrhea studies and the isolated colon tissue was evaluated microscopically. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and then Tukey test. Level P

Diphenoxylate gavage and extracts of 200 and 400 mg/kg, could improve diarrhea caused by castor oil. Histological studies showed that although there was no significant difference between the different groups, the amount (800 mg / kg) of the extract could increase the thickness of the colon wall to some extent.

The results show that the hydroalcoholic extract of Ocimum basilicum has diphenoxylate-like properties in reducing the osmotic symptoms of diarrhea and the volume of water excreted, and in the short term can have little effect on colon wall thickness.