Histopathological and Anti-hemorrhoid Effect of the Leaf Extract of Ocimum gratissimum in Croton Oil-induced Hemorrhoid

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of various diseases dates back into centuries. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus, ranging from being acute to a complicated state; and affecting several millions of people worldwide. This study evaluates the histopathological and anti-hemorrhoid effect of the leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum in croton oil-induced hemorrhoid in wistar rats. Hemorrhoids was induced to the experimental animals using croton oil, following standard methods. Thirty five (35) wistar rats were randomly grouped into five classes (A, B, C, D and E) of seven rats each. Groups A, B and C served as normal control (un-induced, untreated), negative control (induced, untreated) and standard control (induced, treated with standard drug; Daflon) respectively while groups D and E served as treatment groups and were administered 100 and 400 mg/kg dose of ethanol leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum respectively. All the rats (except the group A) animals were induced with croton oil and were thereafter treated for fourteen days (two weeks). The body weight of the animals were monitored throughout the experimental period and percentage rectal water content, anorectal coefficient as well as histopathological assay were carried out at the end of the fourteen days, using standard methods. Results showed a significant decrease (p>0.05) in body weight of the untreated group while there was a marked increase in the body weight of the animals in the extract treated groups from day 1 to the 14th day. The result of the percentage rectal water content as well as anorectal coefficient of the untreated group showed a significant increase (p<0.05) (76%) when compared to the extract treated groups (67%), while the histopathological studies showed a reversal of the inflammatory and necrotic conditions of the induced anorectal portion for the extract treated animals. From the result of this study, it could be concluded that the leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum could help to mitigate anorectal disorders and contribute significantly to improved health.