Evaluating the effects of basil (Ocimum basilicum) in the experimental model of Alzheimer's disease in rats

Abstract

Alzheimer is a destructive neurodegenerative disease related to elderly age of people and it is described by memory decline, loss of cognitive and psychiatric characters. The Ocimum species has been used for anti-ulcerogenic, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the possible role of basil (Dino cultivar) in rats against Alzheimer disease (AD). Dino cultivar was selected among the 16 basil genotypes and 4 cultivars growing under field condition in 2019 vegetation period. Some quality properties such as essential oil and its compositons and extract yield of the Dino cultivar were determined. Also, biochemical parameters and immunohistochemical findings and behavioral test were obtained in rats against AD.

Dino had high essential oil content (1.28%), five major essential oil compositions (p-Allyl-anisole, linalool, trans-caryophyllene, methyl eugenol and beta bergamontene) and extract yield. The extract of the Dino cultivar was used for the biochemical parameters of the Alzheimers as total antioxidant status (TAS: 0.21-0.82 mmol/L), total oxidant status (TOS: 5.7-15.23 µmol/L), catalase (CAT: 2.17-177.31 U/L), oxidative stress index (OSI: 1.056-3.818), malondialdehyde (MDA: 0.365-2.022 mmol/L), superoxide dismutase (SOD: 194-207 U/mL) and Glutathione peroxidase1 (GPX1: 10.82-18.22 ng/mL) in experimental rats. Also, the effect of the extract was used to determine immunohistochemical findings and behavirol test results.

As a result of the study, the extract of the Dino cultivar had positive effect on AD depending on the examined properties. It can be suggested that basil extract can be used for the treatment of AD.