American Basil, Ocimum americanum, Has Neuroprotective Properties in the Aging Process

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Pharmacology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Herbal medicines, including Lamiaceae species, are explored for senolytic properties.
• Limited research exists on Ocimum americanum's effects in rat models, particularly concerning neuroprotection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neuroprotective effects of Ocimum americanum ethanol extract (OAEE).
• To explore the mechanisms of action, focusing on oxidative stress, cholinesterase activity, and neuroinflammation.
• To assess OAEE's impact on hippocampal tissue in young adult and aging Wistar rats.

Main Methods:

• Ex vivo incubation of rat hippocampal slices with OAEE and H2O2.
• In vivo acute OAEE treatment assessing memory and neurochemical parameters.
• In vivo chronic dietary OAEE supplementation evaluating hippocampal oxidative, anticholinesterase, and neuroinflammatory markers.

Main Results:

• OAEE protected hippocampal slices against H2O2-induced damage in both age groups.
• Chronic OAEE supplementation reduced oxidative stress markers (reactive species, lipid peroxidation) in aging rat hippocampi.
• OAEE supplementation decreased TNF-α and IL-1β levels, indicating anti-neuroinflammatory effects.

Conclusions:

• The neuroprotective effects of OAEE are linked to its antioxidant and anti-neuroinflammatory actions.
• OAEE demonstrated efficacy in preventing lipoperoxidation and reducing inflammatory markers.
• Findings support Ocimum americanum's potential as a nutraceutical or functional food for managing the aging process.