Effect of Ocimum sanctum on Noise‐induced Changes in Immune Parameters

Abstract

The effect of an ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum on noise-stress-induced changes in immune parameters has been studied in albino rats. Acute noise stress caused leukopaenia, a significant increase in plasma corticosterone concentrations, and significant increases in thymus weight and cell count. It also caused a significant decrease in the antibody titre, and in spleen weight and cell count. There was no change in lymph node and adrenal gland weight, nor in inhibition of leukocyte migration. Pretreatment of the stressed group with the extract returned noise-stress-altered values to normal levels, indicating the stress-alleviating potential of Ocimum sanctum.