University Publications

In Sudan, Ocimum basilicum is reported to be used by locals as an analgesic and antimicrobial. This study evaluated the analgesic and antinociceptive potential of Ocimum basilicum seeds lectin (OBSL) in Swiss mice. Thermal (hotplate) and chemical (acetic acid) pain induction models were employed with different doses of OBSL. Intraperitoneal administration of OBSL significantly increased the latency time of the thermal threshold as well as acetic acid-induced writhing. These data suggest that OBSL has antinociceptive activity associated with peripheral and probably central antinociceptive mechanisms in facilitating the effect. Additionally, this investigation may provide a rationale for the frequent use of O. basilicum as an analgesic and may pave the way for further analysis for broader pharmacological future applications.