Anti Hemorrhoid Effect of Ethanol Leaf Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum on Croton Oil Induced Hemorrhoid in Rats

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the anti-hemorrhoid effect of ethanol leaf
extract of Ocimum gratissimum on croton oil induced hemorrhoid in rats. Thirtyfive male Wistar albino rats were randomized into five groups A to E, of seven
rats each. Group A was not induced and it served as the normal control while
groups B to E were induced. Group A was given distilled water only while Group
B was left untreated. Group C was treated with standard drug and groups D and
E were treated with doses of 100mg/kg and 400mg/kg of extract respectively.
The effect of the extract on the animals was monitored by evaluation of their
Body Weight dynamics, Percentage rectal water content (Wet weight) and
Anorectal coefficient (ARC). While weight loss was averted in animals that were
treated with extract, the anorectal evaluation showed that the untreated group B
had the highest % rectal water content (76.00 ± 1.00) and Anorectal coefficient,
ARC (5.60×10-3 ± 3.0×10-4) while the control group A, had the lowest % rectal
water content (61.75 ± 2.06) and Anorectal coefficient, ARC (3.82×10-3 ±
9.46×10-5). Group E had lower % rectal water content (67.00 ± 2.34) and
Anorectal coefficient, ARC (4.15×10-3 ± 6.45×10-5) than group C with % rectal
water content (67.75 ± 1.03) and Anorectal coefficient, ARC (4.85×10-3 ±
1.76×10-4). Significantly, the % rectal water content for group D (67.00 ± 2.08)
and Anorectal coefficient, ARC (4.17×10-3 ± 6.67×10-5) was also lower than that
of group C. The difference in % rectal water content was significant (P<0.05)
when treated group was compared with the rest of the groups. The result
indicated highest degree of possible anorectal tissue repair and hemorrhoid
healing for animals that were treated with the dose of 400mg/kg extracts (Group
E). The anti-inflammatory response which was vital in averting weight loss by
the animals that were treated with extract also possibly enhanced its antihemorrhoid capacity. The study revealed that the extract was able to reverse the
inflammatory and necrotic condition of the anorectal tissue of the induced rats
which could eliminate the need for cocktail of drugs or surgery in the treatment
of hemorrhoid. Further research is however suggested to elucidate the possible
mode of action.