The effects of Ocimum basilicum extract and its constituent, rosmarinic acid on total and differential blood WBC, serum levels of NO, MDA, thiol, SOD, and CAT in ovalbumin sensitized rats

The effects of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) and its constituent, rosmarinic acid, on total and differential blood WBC, serum levels of NO2, NO3, MDA, thiol, SOD and CAT in sensitized rats were examined. The study was performed in control animals (group C) and eight groups of sensitized rats to ovalbumin which were given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing three concentrations of O. basilicum (O; 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0 mg/mL), three concentrations of rosmarinic acid (R; 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/mL) and dexamethasone (1.25 μg/mL), (n = 6 for R treated and n = 8 for other groups). Total and differential WBC as well as serum concentrations of oxidant and antioxidant biomarkers were measured in all groups. Serum levels of oxidant biomarkers, total WBC count, percentages of eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly increased but other measured parameters except monocytes were significantly decreased in group S compared to group C. Serum levels of oxidant biomarkers, total WBC count, percentages of eosinophils, neutrophils and monocytes were significantly decreased but other measured parameters were significantly increased in treated S groups with dexamethasone, extract and rosmarinic acid compared to group S. The effects of the extract and rosmarinic acid on some measured variables were significantly higher than the effect of dexamethasone treatment. These results showed the effect of O. basilicum and its constituent, rosmarinic acid on inflammatory and oxidant parameters in sensitized rats which was comparable or even more potent than dexamethasone at used concentrations.