NEURO-PROTECTIVE AND ANTI-STRESS EFFECTS OF HOT WATER INFUSIONS OF OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM LINN (HOLY BASIL) AND SAMBUCUS NIGRA LINN (ELDERBERRY) IN MALE ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Stress has become an integral part of humanity and it is one of the factors contributing to the development of anxiety and depression. The use of drugs in the management of stress related condition such as anxiety and depression is reported to have a number of irreversible side effects. Hence, the need for search of natural products with no associated side effects. The present investigation is aimed at evaluating the hot-water infusions of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) for their antioxidant potentials, neuro-protective capacities and the effects of tea infusions on liver biomarkers. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponnins, tannins, alkaloid and terpenoids. Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) showed a significantly (P< 0.05) higher antioxidant scavenging abilities with the highest in Elderberry. Behavioral test revealed that animals administered with tea infusions showed a significant increase in exploratory field, interactions with other rats place in the same field, the number of transitions between the light compartment and dark compartment indicating a reduced level of stressed. The peak action of tea infusions was recorded on day 28. The sample groups showed significant difference (p>0.00). Diazepam groups showed declined in behavior on day 14 and 28. On the other hand, stressed untreated group showed evidence of anxiety and depression post analysis. Tea infusions reduced lipid peroxidation in the brain and liver Sambucus with the highest activity at 200mg of Sambucus nigra. Testing of liver enzymes activities indicated that treated groups fell within the normal range and a slight significant difference (P< 0.05) was observed with group administered with diazepam. Elevated levels of liver enzymes; alanine aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as liver markers urea and bilirubin was observed in stressed untreated group. Treated group showed elevated levels of dopamine and acetylcholinesterase while untreated group showed significant lower levels of dopamine and acetylcholinesterase. Brain homogenate in treated group revealed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes. From the results gotten, the teas can be harnessed as functional beverage in the management of stress and other free radical mediated diseases and are safe for consumption with no side effects.