Effect of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum Linn.) on Clinical and Biochemical Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome can be defined as a set of symptoms, associated with a risk of coronary artery disease, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and obesity. Eugenol is a phenolic compound and major constituent of essential oils extracted from different parts of Tulsi plant. Its therapeutic use has been established on the basis of several pharmacological studies related with hyperglycemia, hypertension and dyslipidemia. To investigate the effect of Tulsi on clinical and biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. Hundred patients randomly selected for this study, further categorized in 2 groups, control group and study group. Patients were asked to take 5ml of Tulsi extract two times a day for three months. Baseline parameters were taken for every patient i.e. BMI, W/H Ratio fasting blood sugar, blood pressure, HbA1c, lipid profile. Biochemical and anthropometric data were also recorded at the end of the study. On comparing control and study population for effect of Tulsi therapy, an improving trend was observed in study group.BMI (27.00±3.23 to 27.10±8.64 kg/m², p<0.9), SBP (151.30±8.48 to 138.68±9.84 mmHg, p<0.001), DBP (95.76±3.63 to 87.12±8.81 mmHg, p<0.001), glycemic control - FBS (209.26±40.15 to 155.28±20.70 mg/dl, p<0.001), HbA1c (8.82±1.25 to 7.34±0.89%, p<0.001). Lipid profile-total cholesterol (244.04±26.30 to 209.28±29.03mg/dl, p<0.001), triglyceride (176.48±16.75 to 138.32±15.17mg/dl, p<0.001), HDL (33.58±3.47 to 39.36±4.25mg/dl, p<0.001), LDL (174.9±26.82 to 142.11±27.50mg/dl, p<0.001), VLDL (35.37±3.84 to 27.66±3.03mg/dl, p<0.001). In metabolic syndrome, Tulsi therapy significantly reduces blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid profile. It shows the therapeutic effect of Tulsi and it may be used as an adjunct with diet and drugs in management of metabolic syndrome.