Effect of Ocimum basilicum on ovary tissue apoptosis after exposed with extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) in rats

Abstract

Medicinal use of basil, Ocimum basilicum, dates back to ancient times in Iran, China, and India. This herb has been used since ancient times as a medicine and food and it is known that the antioxidant effect of O. basilicum is beneficial to protect tissue and decreasing carcinogenic effect of EMF, so it was hypothesized that this herb might also provide protection ovarian tissue from reactive oxygen spaces (ROS). Female wistar rats (n = 40) were allocated to four groups, a control group (n = 10) and three treatment groups (n = 30). The first treatment group received O. basilicum extract (1.5 g/kg body weight), the second extract group received O. basilicum extract (1.5 g/kg body weight) and EMF exposure at 50 Hz for 40 consecutive days, whilst the third group received only EMF exposure for 40 consecutive days. At the conclusion of the test period rat ovary tissues were removed from all group members. Ovary tissue preparation was performed and analyzed for apoptosis. There was a significant increase in apoptosis in EMF group when compared with other groups (P<0.05). EMF has negative effect on ovary histology in rats by increasing ROS. However, these side effects are less seen in the EMF group that received O. basilicum extract. Therefore, it is recommended that usage of O. basilicum extract in modern country has fewer side effects of industrial as one of female cancer (ovary cancer) problems.