Ocimum sanctum Attenuates altered Colonic Contractility and Intestinal Transit in HFD-FED/STZ-treated Type 2Diabetic Rats

Diabetic complications involve cardiovascular system, kidneys and nerves. GIT is a prime target of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. Delayed small intestinal transit and megacolon have been demonstrated in streptozotocin treated diabetic rats. Increased lipid peroxidation and accelerated advanced lipoxidation end product formation, possibly catalyzed by hyperglycemia and oxidative stress, may play a critical role in the development of neurovascular complications in diabetes. The health-promoting activity of Ocimum sanctum seems to be related to the antioxidant (free radical scavenging) activity. Ocimum sanctum leaves extract treatment (200mg/kg/day) for 10 weeks to high fat diet-fed plus low dose streptozotocin diabetic rats significantly reversed both reduced contractile response of distal colon to acetylcholine and delayed transmit of charcoal meal in small intestine compared to diabetic control. The significant effect of Ocimum in reversing the increased plasma lipid peroxidation level in diabetic rats may be due to its antioxidant property. In conclusion, the present study suggest that Ocimum sanctum may be useful in preventing type II diabetes induced delay in intestinal motility and since, Ocimum sanctum is already in clinical use it may be evaluated for preventive diabetis induced delay in intestinal motility in patients at risk of developing autonomic neuropathy.