Inhibitory effect of Ocimum basilicum essential oil on the expression of NADH oxidase and nitric oxide synthase

The ex vivo antioxidant activity of Ocimum basilicum essential oil (OBEO) was determined through measuring NADH oxidase (NOX) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages. GC-MS analysis indicated that the main components in the OBEO were methylchavicol (47%), geranial (19%) and neral (15%). OBEO significantly reduced NOX and iNOS mRNA expression in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages at non-cytotoxic concentrations of 1-10 mg/mL. OBEO could potentially be used as a safe and effective source of natural anti-oxidants in therapy against oxidative damage and stress associated with some inflammatory conditions.

Keywords:

Ocimum basilicum , Essential oil , Macrophages , NADH oxidase , NOS