In-vitro ACE inhibitor, Anti-inflammatory and Cytotoxicity study of Salvia (Chia) and Ocimum (Basil) Seeds

Chia seeds from Salvia hispanica and Basil seeds from Ocimum basilicum are increasingly being categorized as a novel food and have received scientific attention due to presence of high amounts of nutraceutical compounds. Recent studies demonstrate that both seeds are used as a medicine for the treatment of various kinds of diseases. Present study aims to determine their antihypertensive potential, anti-inflammatory action, and cytotoxicity. Hypertension is a major risk factor and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) is one of the major regulators of blood pressure. Inflammation is response of body to an injury or infection. Drugs which are used as ACE inhibitors and anti-inflammatory possess undesirable side effects, while natural inhibitors have no side effects and are potential nutraceutical. In vitro assays were used to determine ACE inhibition and anti-inflammatory activity. The cytotoxicity assay for crude extract of defatted chia and basil seeds was done on human histiocytic lymphoma cell line (U937) by MTS assay. ACE inhibition activity assay showed that ethanolic and hexane extracts of both seeds have distinct ACE inhibitory activity. Both seed extracts had shown higher activity at 150 and 50 μg/mL concentrations respectively. Results of anti-inflammatory assay showed maximum protection of HBRC (Human Red Blood Cell Membrane Stabilization Method) at 50 and 75 μg/mL concentrations for both seeds in ethanolic and methanolic extracts. MTS assay showed 73.20% and 70.85% cytotoxicity of Chia and Basil seeds at 12.50 and 50μg/mL concentrations respectively. IC50 values of Chia and Basil seeds were found to be 14.09μg/mL and 23.46μg/mL. This study provides direction for future investigation concerning detailed assessment of therapeutic potential of Chia and Basil seeds. Key-Words Antihypertension, Anti-inflammation, Cytotoxicity, Human Red Blood Cell Membrane, U-937 cell line.