Study of Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Ethanolic Fraction of Seeds of Ocimum basilicum Linn

In the present study the ethanolic fraction of seeds of the plant Ocimum basilicum Linn. was taken and its anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated using carrageenan and formalin induced rat paw edema. The effect on chronic phase of inflammation was also studied using cotton pellet granuloma technique. The increase in paw thickness was measured using digital vernier caliper after 1,2,3 and 4 h of injection. Ethanolic fraction of the seeds of the plant at dose of 400 mg/Kg significantly inhibited acute phase of inflammation. The decrease in the weight of granuloma was also found by ethanolic fraction of the seeds at same dose. The study reveals that the ethanolic fraction of seeds of Ocimum basilicum Linn. possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity.