Publication:

Comparative evaluation of the effect of Ocimum sanctum and metformin on serum lipid profile in high fat diet fed diabetic rats

Background Dyslipidaemia is an important risk factor for development of macrovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Ocimum sanctum (OS) and metformin have shown to have antihyperlipidaemic effects. The present study was undertaken  to evaluate the effects of  OS and Metformin on body weight & plasma lipid  levels of high fat diet fed diabetic ratsMethods: Total of 30 male wistar  rats (100-150gm) were obtained. Animals were fed with a high fat diet throughout the study (6 weeks). Diabetes was induced by using single intra-peritoneal injection of Streptozotocin 50mg/kg at the end of 4 weeks.  Diabetic rats were divided into groups of 6 each and treated as follows: Group 1- Diabetic control, was given vehicle orally. Group 2- O.S. ethanolic extract 100mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group 3- O.S. ethanolic extract  200mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Group 4-  Metformin 100mg/day for 14 daysResults: At the end of 4 weeks, body weight of rats were significantly increased (p 0.05). Decrease in body weight was seen in metformin group. Abdominal circumference of rats also showed similar pattern (p >0.05).  OS 200 caused significant reduction in serum LDL levels (p 0.05).

Conclusions Present study revealed that Ocimum Sanctum caused significant reduction in serum lipid levels in high fat diet fed diabetic rats. Metformin  also exhibited antihyperlipidaemic activity. So, it is concluded that OS or metformin alone or in combination  could be a novel adjunct to diet and life style modification for the management of dyslipidaemia in type 2 diabetes.  Further studies are required to confirm the antidyslipidaemic activities of individual phytoconstituents of Ocimum sanctum.