Comparative Neuropharmacological Evaluation of Two Herbs (Rosemary and Basil) with Culinary, Medicinal, and Cultural Significance

Background Rosemary ( Rosmarinus officinalis ) is a perennial herb, while basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) is an annual herb. Both are utilized in culinary practices and have antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties. However, their neuroprotective role remains to be elucidated. Objectives This study was carried out to explore the neuroprotective potential of these herbs in the Swiss Albino mouse model. Materials and Methods The investigation focused on evaluating the impact of their extracts on anxiety levels and motor performance using a comprehensive set of behavioral assays, including the hot plate analysis, acetic acid-induced writhing analysis, various neuropharmacological tests such as anxiolytic effects, staircase, traction, writhing, the effect of the inclined plane and forced swimming. O. basilicum exhibited dose-dependent analgesic effects, enhanced locomotor activity, and improved motor function. Results R. officinalis showed potential analgesic properties but exhibited decreasing motor function and potential depressive-like effects. Both herbs demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant potential. This exploration into the neuropharmacology of rosemary and basil holds promise for the broader field of natural product pharmacology. Conclusion The identification of bioactive compounds of these plants and the elucidation of their specific mechanisms in neural behavior are proposed. This may open avenues for the development of targeted treatments as well as complementary therapies.