Effect of Ocimum sanctum (Basil) leaf in high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemic rat

Dyslipidemia mediated atherosclerosis is the key pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. Present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Ocimum sanctum leaf consumption against high-fat-diet induced hyperlipidemia in rat model. A total of 18 Wistar albino rats (200-215 g) were randomly divided as control, HFD (hyperlipidemic) and OS-treated groups. HFD-group received high fat diet (HFD) for 15 days, OS-treated group administered with Ocimum sanctum leaf powder (200 mg / kg of bodyweight / day) together with HFD diet for 15 days. Blood samples were analyzed for changes in plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and very-low-density lipoprotein. Plasma atherogenic index was also calculated. HFD administration significantly increase plasma lipid levels and atherogenic index in HFD-group. Ocimum sanctum supplementation significantly reduce decrease plasma total cholesterol, triglyceride, lipoproteins and atherogenic index in OS-treated rats.  15 days Ocimum sanctum leaf (powder) supplementation at dose of 200 mg / kg of bodyweight / day effectively attenuates dyslipidemia in hyperlipidemic rats.