Impact of Nanochitosan Alcoholic Basil Seed Extract on Albino Diabetic Rats

Background: Basil seeds are traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes, such as improving digestion, regulating blood sugar, aiding weight loss, cooling the body, relieving stress, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, improving vision, and reducing inflammation. Recent studies show that Ocimum basilicum extracts have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects in rats. Due to diabetes’ significant impact on the cardiovascular system, researchers are exploring natural treatments, including plant-based remedies. Nanomaterials are emerging as a promising method for effectively delivering these herbal treatments. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of nanoparticle chitosan of basil seed alcohol extract on albino rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Basil seed alcoholic extract nanoparticles were examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray powder diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscope. A total of 42 adult male rats were divided into six groups: One negative control, one positive control (diabetes induced with alloxan at 100 mg/kg) and four treatment groups. The treatments were empagliflozin (25 mg/kg), nanochitosan (250 mg/kg), basil seed alcohol extract (250 mg/kg) and nanoparticle basil seed extract (250 mg/kg), administered orally for 21 days. Blood samples were collected to evaluate sugar levels, interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and insulin. Results: The study investigated the effects of nanochitosan and basil extract in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in five groups of rats, leading to increased blood glucose levels. Key findings included elevated insulin levels in all treated groups except the positive control group, and the nano-chitosan basil seed extract group showed the most significant improvement. Interleukin-1β level decreased in all treated groups, with significant reductions observed in groups 5 and 6. Similarly, Tumor necrosis factor level decreased in all treated groups, with the nanochitosan basil seed extract group showing the most significant reduction compared to groups 3, 4 and 5. The nanochitosan basil seed extract demonstrated substantial positive effects on insulin, interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels in diabetic rats. Conclusion: Using basil seed extract combined with nanochitosan has shown a positive impact on increasing insulin levels, reducing blood sugar, and decreasing interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels, which are associated with inflammation and chronic diseases.