Phytochemical Constituents of Ocimum gratissimum extract and its effect against gastro-enteric bacteria on the intestinal linings of an albino Wister rats

Enteritis is the inflammation of the small intestines which could lead to diarrhea. Bacterial gastroenteritis is a digestive system problem caused by bacteria. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. These can be treated with antibiotics, but in recent times, especially in economically developing countries like Nigeria, these drugs have become extremely costly resulting to the low purchasing power of the greater populace. Antibiotic resistance due to abuse also necessitated a growing need for alternative and affordable source of anti-bacteria medication. Ocimum gratissimum leaves were collected, selected and pulverized, it was macerated in ethanol for 3days with intermediate agitation, filtered, and concentrated. The extract was subjected to LD₅₀. Phytochemical analysis were done on the plants leaves to check for secondary metabolites. A pilot study of E.coli was carried out with 8 albino rats grouped into four. Different titrations of E.coli were administered intraperitoneal to the rats to determine the minimum amount of E.coli capable of infecting the rats, the stool sample was inoculated in a sterile broth and then cultured in an EMB agar plate selective for E.coli. After 24 hours culture, a 0.8 mL was selected as it showed the least colony. The extract of Ocimum gratissimum was formulated using 0.5%w/v, 1.25%w/v and 0.9% normal saline as control in Group A, B and C respectively. These were used to treat the 20 albino wistar rats grouped A to D (at n = 5). Group D Negative control was not infected with 0.8 mL of E.coli broth. The results showed that Ocimum gratissimum is rich in flavonoids, tannins, saponins, resins, terpenoids, alkaloids, fats and oils. Pictorial results of the histopathology shown that albino rats of group A and C have normal to mild intestinal tract, not erupted or distorted but that it is dose dependent as group B with 1.25%w/v extract restored the intestinal linings of the albino rats to that of the Negative control which was not infected intraperitoneal. Results proved that Ocimum gratissimum has activity against gastroenteritis bacteria E. coli and can serve as an alternative in treatment of bacteria enteritis as it is readily available and affordable.