Aim: To evaluate the phenolics composition and inhibitory effect of the leaves extracts of Ocimum basilicum (O. basilicum) and Ocimum gratissimum (O. gratissimum) on two key enzymes [pancreatic lipase (PL) and angiotensin 1-converting enzyme (ACE)] involved in obesity and hypertension in vitro. Methods: The phenolics (flavonoids and phenolic acids) were quantified using high performance liquid chromatrography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). PL and ACE inhibitory effects; and DPPH* and ABTS*+ scavenging activities of the extracts were tested using Spectrophotometric methods. Results: O. basilicum had the following major phenolics: rutin, quercetin and quercitrin (flavonoids); caffeic, chlorogenic and gallic acids (phenolic acids); while O. gratissimum had the following major phenolics: rutin, quercitrin and luteolin (flavonoids); ellagic and chlorogenic acids (phenolic acids). Extracts of both plants inhibited PL and ACE; and scavenged DPPH* in a dose-dependent manner. O. gratissimum extract was more potent in inhibiting PL (IC50: 20.69 μg/mL) and ACE (IC50: 29.44 μg/mL) than O. basilicum (IC50: 52.14 μg/mL and IC50: 64.99 μg/mL, against PL and ACE, respectively). O. gratissimum also scavenged DPPH* and ABTS*+ more than O. basilicum. Conclusion: O. basilicum and O. gratissimum leaves could be used as functional foods for the management of obesity and obesity-related hypertension. However, O. gratissimum may be more effective than O. basilicum.
Key words: Obesity, hypertension, Ocimum species, pancreatic lipase, angiotensin I-converting enzyme, oxidative stress.
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