Effect of Ocimum basilicum herbs extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines in ethanol-induced liver damage in rats.

OBJECTIVE

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of Ocimum basilicum extract on pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, in a rat model of ethanol-induced liver damage.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Materials and

Methods

A total of 120 male rats were divided into four groups: a control group, an ethanol-induced liver damage group, a low-dose basil treatment group, and a high-dose basil treatment group. Pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) were measured using ELISA.

RESULTS

Results

The ethanol exposure group showed significantly elevated TNF-α (548.8 ± 83.78 pg/mL), IL-6 (410.3 ± 167.7 pg/mL), and IL-1β (373.1 ± 127.7 pg/ mL) compared to the control group. Basil supplementation, particularly at high doses (100 mg/kg), effectively reduced these cytokines, with TNF-α (316.4 ± 57.37 pg/mL) and IL-6 (133.9 ± 86.76 pg/mL) levels approaching control values. IL-1β was also significantly reduced (152.3 ± 79.37 pg/mL) but remained slightly elevated.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions

This study showed that Ocimum basilicum extract has potent hepato protective and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising natural therapeutic agent for alcohol-induced liver damage.