Effect of Ocimum sanctum Leaf Extract on Entero-Insular Axis by Oral Glucose Tolerance Test in Albino Rats

This research study evaluates the effect of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract on the entero-insular axis and the hyperglycemia due to oral glucose tolerance test in albino rats. Methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum was prepared by Sami labs, Bangalore and used for the study. After obtaining Institutional Animal ethical committee clearance male albino rats (155–215 g) were divided into 4 groups. 6 albino rats were randomly assigned to Control (Normal saline) group, Standard (Vildagliptin 50 mg/kg) group, Ocimum sanctum leaf extract (100 mg/kg) and (200 mg/kg) groups. After overnight fasting the baseline biochemical evaluation in the fasting state blood glucose, Insulin level, Glucagon level, GLP-1 (Glucagon like peptide-1), GIP (Glucose dependent Insulinotropic peptide) level were measured for all the above groups. Control, Vildagliptin (STD) and the extracts were orally administered by using rat oral feeding tube. 30 minutes later oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done. Blood samples were evaluated for blood sugar, Insulin, Glucagon, GLP-1 and GIP at 0, 15 and 45 minutes after oral glucose load. Ocimum sanctum (200 mg/kg) showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) reduction in blood glucose at 45 minutes when compared to control. Ocimum sanctum (100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg) showed significant (p ≤ 0.001) increase in GIP levels at 45 minutes of OGTT. Ocimum sanctum leaf extract showed significant antihyperglycemic and incretin enhancing effects. Further indepth animal and clinical studies are necessary to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of this extract for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.