Preliminary ex-vivo and an animal model evaluation of Ocimum sanctum's essential oil extract for its antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties.

AIM To evaluate the essential oil extract of the au Ocimum sanctum for its antibacterial and anti inflammatory efficacy. METHODS The essential oil extract was prepared in the Clevenger's apparatus. Antibacterial efficacy was tested against Enterococcus faecalis at two concentrations i.e. 100 & 50%. Bacterial growth was measured spectrophotometrically and percentage inhibition was calculated. Anti- inflammatory efficacy was tested on an established adult albino rat model. Autoclaved cotton pellets were used for inducing the chronic inflammatory conditions for 7 days. On day 8, the cotton pellets induced granuloma were excised, dried and weighed. The percentage inhibition of the granuloma was calculated. RESULTS The essential oil extract of Ocimum sanctum showed antibacterial efficacy, which improved with an increase in concentration and contact period. It also had a significant (p=0.034) anti- inflammatory action. CONCLUSION This ex-vivo and an animal model study documented the antibacterial and anti- inflammatory properties of the essential oil extract of Ocimum sanctum, for its proposed use as an intracanal medicament.