Effect of aqueous leaf extract of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> on biochemical parameter of liver function tests enzymes in Wistar rats

The use of medicinal plants in traditional and complementary medicine for the treatment, management, or prevention of various diseases is as old as the origin of mankind It has been estimated that approximately 80% of the world's population depends mainly on ethnomedicine or herbal medicine for the treatment of numerous diseases worldwide. Ocimum gratissimum (OG) is traditionally used in liver disease management, but its hepatoprotective effects required scientific validation. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract in Wistar rats. A total number of twenty-four (24) Wistar rats weighing averagely 70 grams were used for this study. The Wistar Rats were housed under standard laboratory conditions with a 12-hour light/dark cycle and given free access to food and water. The Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, low-dose (200 mg/kg), medium-dose (400 mg/kg), and high-dose (800 mg/kg) OG extract. Blood samples were collected from all groups on day 7 and analyzed for liver function test enzymes. The following liver function test enzymes (Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and antioxidant defences (Total bilirubin and Direct bilirubin) were assessed. The results revealed that the value of the AST was lowest for the high dose and was highest for the low dose. The control value of AST was higher than the high dose but lower than that of the medium. Low dose of the leaf extract has the lowest value of the ALT. followed by the high dose and the control, while the medium dose has the highest value of the ALT. It was observed that the value of ALP was highest in the control group and lowest in the low dose group, while the medium and high doses had the same value. Extract significantly reduced liver enzyme levels and enhanced antioxidant defences. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced liver damage. Ocimum gratissimum aqueous leaf extract exhibits hepatoprotective effects by reducing serum levels of liver enzymes, validating its traditional use in liver disease management.