Ocimum basilicum alleviates blood glucose, lipid profile and iNOS in diabetes gestational rat model

Abstract

Objectives Gestational diabetes (GDM) complications affect maternal and fetus in utero. GDM’s vascular dysfunction showed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) alteration and was linked to the higher production of nitrogen species, leading to diabetic embryopathy. Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) has been reported for its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. Thus, the present study investigates the anti-diabetic effect, lipid-lowering effect, and iNOS expression in GDM animal models treated with O. basilicum extract. Experimental procedures Four groups of pregnant rats consist of control and GDM groups. One GDM group was set for control positive. Two GDM groups were treated with O. basilicum extract in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg BW) for 14 days. Blood glucose of all groups was observed at 72 h after STZ injection and 14 days after administration of O. basilicum extract. Lipid profile and iNOS expression using real-time PCR were measured afterward. Results O. basilicum extract lowered blood glucose levels in both doses, from 262.60 mg/dL±6.89–136.80 mg/dL ± 15.6 mg/dL and 113.20 mg/dL±5.25 mg/dL. Total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride showed a reduction, especially in 200 mg/kg BW dose extract from 122.37 mg/dL ± 14.84 mg/dL, 69.75 mg/dL±3.78 mg/dL and 137.51 mg/dL ± 8.12–74.64 mg/dL±8.71 mg/dL, 40.26 mg/dL±3.31 mg/dL and 87.57 mg/dL±6.29 mg/dL, respectively. iNOS expression downregulated in both doses, from 2.17±0.39 to 0.94±0.3 and 0.41±0.08. Conclusions This study showed that O. basilicum extract has a potential therapeutic activity in lowering blood glucose, improved lipid profile, and downregulating iNOS in GDM.

Hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effect of different solvents extract of unripe Carica papaya seed in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

“…The increase in insulin secretion and the consequent decrease in blood glucose level may lead to stimulation of fatty acid biosynthesis (Insulin stimulates lipid synthesizing enzymes (fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase) and also the incorporation of fatty acids into triglycerides in the liver and adipose tissue). In the presence of insulin, the hormone-sensitive lipase will be inhibited in the adipose tissue, and mobilization of fatty acid from adipose tissue by glucagons will also be inhibited and therefore leading to the observed decrease plasma level of free fatty acids [66][67] .…”