Phytochemical profiling and dose-dependent erythrocyte membrane-protective, haematological and antioxidant effects of aqueous Ocimum gratissimum (Scent Leaf) leaf extract in Wistar rats
1 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Postgraduate Studies, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State Nigeria.
3 Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji-Arakeji, Osun State, Nigeria.
Research Article
Open Access Research Journal of Biology and Pharmacy, 2026, 17(02), 013–021.
Article DOI: 10.53022/oarjbp.2026.17.2.0042
Publication history:
Received on 01 June 2026; revised on 12 July 2026; accepted on 14 July 2026
Abstract:
Ocimum gratissimum (scent leaf) is a widely consumed African medicinal herb whose rich phytochemical composition has been linked to diverse pharmacological activities, yet its direct in vivo effect on red blood cell (RBC) membrane integrity remains poorly characterized. This study profiled the phytochemical composition of an aqueous leaf extract of O. gratissimum and evaluated its dose-dependent effects on RBC membrane stability, haematological indices, and oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats. Twelve adult Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 3): a distilled-water control and three extract-treated groups receiving 300, 400, or 500 mg/kg body weight orally for 14 days. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical screening, full haematological profiling, osmotic fragility testing, and biochemical assays for total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were performed using standard methods, and data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc comparison (P < 0.05). Eleven of twelve screened phytoconstituents were detected; only anthraquinone derivatives were absent. Osmotic fragility curves showed a rightward shift at 400 and 500 mg/kg, indicating improved membrane resistance. Haematocrit and RBC count rose significantly at these two doses relative to control (P < 0.05), with stable mean corpuscular volume confirming normocytic erythropoiesis. The 300 mg/kg dose was associated with significantly reduced MCH and MCHC and elevated MDA (P < 0.05–0.01), consistent with a transient hypochromic, pro-oxidant low-dose effect, whereas 500 mg/kg fully normalized MDA and total protein to control-equivalent levels. These findings indicate that aqueous O. gratissimum leaf extract confers dose-dependent erythrocyte membrane-protective and erythropoietic benefits at 400–500 mg/kg body weight, while identifying a narrower safety margin at lower doses that warrants further toxicological characterization before therapeutic application is considered.
Keywords:
Ocimum gratissimum; Erythrocyte Membrane Integrity; Osmotic Fragility; Oxidative Stress; Phytochemical Screening; Wistar Rats
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